Getting Testing Right Every Time—A Guide to Ordering for Successful Outcomes

Looking for a simplified way to figure out your testing needs? Here is a chart of SORA Labs billing codes and associated microbiology testing, which shows how test results will be formatted.
Using this chart can help you determine which microbiology test to order to match your given specification and turn-around-time (TAT) required.

Micro Spec Charts:

AOAC Petrifilm™ Methods

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Pour Plate Methods (FDA/BAM or USP)

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Rapid Biolumix Methods

These methods report </> your specification and are not quantitative

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Occasionally, customers need a certificate of analysis (cofa) to be updated due to a specification
issue. Here is one scenario:
Question: Can a cofa be updated to reflect a microbiology specification of negative on Escherichia coliform (E.coli) instead of <10 cfu/g?
Answer: No, because the E.coli test that reported as “negative” was not ordered.
How to place the right testing order: If you need Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) to report as negative/10g, then you need to order test codes B0191 or B0371 (see chart). Both these test codes have results that can be reported as negative. The B0371 Biolumix® option will only report as negative or positive, whereas the pour plate method will give you an actual count if there is S.aureus present in the sample.
Quality control is a continual process. Understanding which method to order to give you the
required results can be a challenge because of the many microbiology method choices. We’re the experts—Let us know what specifications you need and we can suggest the best method to meet your requirements. We are here to help! Call or email us anytime!

Probiotic testing challenges—the right lab makes all the difference!

Probiotic testing can be complicated. Here’s why—most of the testing methods available are for single strain raw materials. Additionally, many methods come from the manufacturer and are specific to their material. And if that didn’t create enough confusion about what testing was appropriate, the Food Chemical Codex (FCC) has also added several probiotic monographs. These monographs have procedures for identification, enumeration assays and specific Whew! So how can you decide which testing method to use—the answer lies within using a lab that is experienced in probiotics.
An experienced lab like SORA, will know that the identification portion of the FCC monograph is for nucleic acid-based identification using PCR or other genetic identification methods. The assay portion of the monograph uses various growth media and specific aerobic or anaerobic conditions for optimal growth of the probiotic strain. The specific test section will have testing recommendations for that particular strain of probiotic.
Since these procedures require specialized equipment, and specific agars and broths to perform the testing, this can be challenging due to the high growth counts of this material. Typically in a microbiology lab, the samples being tested have very low plate counts, but with probiotic material, high counts in the millions or even billions of cfu/g are expected. Lab contamination is also a concern when working with probiotics, so proper sample handling is very important to ensure that the testing environment and air quality stays clean. Because of these challenges, working with probiotics in a separate section of the lab and at separate plating times is often required to avoid microbiology contamination of other samples in the testing lab.
While finding the best assay method may be difficult when working with blended probiotic strain products, reviewing the individual strain methods and looking for overlapping testing is generally a good starting point. And, since there may not be one “ideal” method, the testing lab may need to attempt several probiotic methods and perform method development before exact testing can be determined for the specific product.
With so many challenges, it may seem daunting to make sure your product is being properly tested! However, choosing a lab that is accustomed to handling probiotic material and performing specialized testing such as SORA Labs, can take the stress out of making sure your product meets label claims—choose wisely.

What mistakes is your testing lab making?

Is your lab using reference standards when performing testing? We’ve found that not all labs do this—in fact, we tested against one lab recently that was not using a reference standard with their FIP Lipase method. What a mistake! Without a reference standard, how do you know if your method is working appropriately and providing accurate results for the unknown sample? You don’t! Purchasing reference standards and performing proficiency testing gives a lab credibility and is an investment in quality—which as a testing customer, you should expect.
Another big mistake is not using positive and negative controls when performing microbiology We have spoken to several labs that do not test each method using a negative control, which is compared to a positive control test. While these microbiology quality control pellets are expensive, they are highly beneficial for accurate results—it’s unfortunate that some labs do not fully understand the benefit. SORA performs a positive and a negative control test with each microbiology method daily. These test results prove that our method is working that day.
Throughout the year SORA participates in microbiology and chemistry proficiency testing studies. We perform various methods on identical samples, testing against other labs or peer groups. These results are statistically calculated to determine our proficiency with the method tested. Proficiency testing builds confidence with the lab technicians and customers and demonstrates that the method is being performed accurately. Is your testing lab doing this?
And while this is just a couple of ways a testing laboratory can invest in quality control, these steps pave the way for accurate results. There’s a reason that some labs charge unusually low prices—and it’s a good idea to ask questions before purchasing services that may not provide you with the most accurate results. Ask about reference standards, microbiology controls and proficiency Are they actually spending the time and money required to give accurate results? If not, go elsewhere! “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking”—Henry Ford.