Microorganism Identification & Typing

Eurofins Medical Device Testing network of laboratories offers multiple state-of-the-art technologies and approaches to Identification (ID) Testing to provide the appropriate level of identification to fit your needs.
From identification of environmental isolates, through to expert analysis of finished product contaminants, we offer the most comprehensive ID services available for bacteria, moulds and yeasts.

We also offer typing services to trace the source and investigate the root cause of contamination by establishing the unique fingerprint of microorganisms.

Choose Eurofins Medical Device Testing to help you:

• Provide comprehensive microbial identification support to the medical device industry.
• Identify all species of bacteria and fungi found in the medical device industry.
• Utilise the largest libraries of reference sequences worldwide for bacteria and fungi.
• Identify predominant organisms recovered during your sterilisation dose audit on your medical device per ISO 11737.
• Expedite your results with a standard turnaround time of 3-5 business days with priority services upon request.

Genotypic Identification

Regular Service
Unilocus Comparative Sequencing (ULSA)

Bacteria: 16S rRNA Gene Long Sequencing
Uses PCR to amplify more than 1,350 base pairs, double strand sequencing and comparison to our validated, proprietary database, Eurofins Microbial Sequencing Index (EMSI), including more than 8,450 valid type strains.

• • Genus and species level identification.
  • More accurate than partial sequencing.
  • Rapid, reliable and efficient.

Fungi: 25S rRNA Gene or ITS1/ITS2 Partial Sequencing
Uses 25S rRNA gene.

• • Genus and species level identification.
  • Rapid, reliable and efficient.

Expert Service

Multilocus Comparative Sequencing (MLSA)
Solves drawbacks from 16S rRNA (bacteria) or 25S rRNA genes, ITS1 and/or ITS2 (fungi), sequencing by increasing resolution to further discriminate at the species level.

• Simultaneous comparative sequencing of multiple genes (housekeeping genes) of taxonomical interest and extended databases of reference sequences: bacteria and moulds.
• Application to strain typing (MLST).

Molecular Typing

Generates fingerprints of bacterial and fungal isolates in order to determine strain similarities for critical investigations, such as media fill and sterility test failures. Typing methodologies available, including:

• MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST)
• Arbitrary Primed PCR (APPCR)
• Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR)
• Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (CHEF)
• MicroSatellite Analysis (MSAT)

Reference Methods

Eurofins Medical Device Testing's methods follow the most current requirements outlined in:

• ISO 11737
• AAMI ST 72

What is microbial identification?

Microbial identification and typing are methods to determine the identity and characteristics of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses

Why is microbial identification and typing important?

Microbial identification and typing are important in medical devices because they can help to ensure the quality and safety of the products and prevent contamination and infection.