Submit samples for testing through ARL's Client Portal.
A sterility test detects microbial contamination. A satisfactory result indicates that no contaminating microorganism has been found in the sample examined under the conditions of the test.
A rapid sterility test detects microbial contamination. This validated alternative sterility test method per USP <1223> is effective and reliable for 503A and 503B Facilities. Rapid test provides objective results in as little as six days.
An endotoxin test detects toxins that are released from the cell wall of disrupted gram-negative bacteria.
This test identifies microorganisms isolated during different phases of manufacturing and quality testing to the genus/species level using DNA sequencing.
An antimicrobial effectiveness test demonstrates the effectiveness of antimicrobial preservatives in preventing microbial proliferation in injections, topicals, oral products, single dose vials, and antacids packaged in multiple-dose containers.
These tests quantitate the total population of aerobic bacteria, yeast, and molds in raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
These tests verify the absence of objectionable microorganisms in drug products and raw materials.
Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products – Tests for Burkholderia cepacia Complex USP <60>
This test procedure evaluates the microbiological quality, specifically the presence of species of the genus Burkholderia, in non-sterile substances and preparations. This is important, because Burkholderia is a potentially dangerous pathogen, especially for drugs or raw materials that are intended for inhalation use, and aqueous preparations for oral, oromucosal, cutaneous, or nasal administration.
Growth Promotion demonstrates that media used in environmental monitoring programs, media fills, or personnel qualification are capable of supporting microorganism growth.
Microbial cleaning studies are essential to validating a facility’s cleaning SOP. Pharmacies must demonstrate that cleaning agents, combined with instructions and procedures for their use, remove microbial contamination from surface areas where sterile drug products are compounded.
The container closure system for a drug product provides critical protection for stability and sterility. ARL offers USP <1207> container closure integrity testing (CCIT) on IV bags, syringes, cassettes, and vials. Three types of leaks that can be detected during CCIT include:
- Entry of microorganisms
- Escape of the product dosage form or entry of liquids or solids
- Escape of nitrogen gas or entry of oxygen, water vapor, or air gases
- Container Closure Integrity Testing - vacuum decay test method
- Container Closure Integrity Testing - dye ingress test method