Biological and microbiological testing

GSAB – Global Standard Accreditation Board provides independent and impartial accreditation to Biological and Microbiological Testing Laboratories in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. Our accreditation confirms that laboratories demonstrate technical competence, validated methods, controlled laboratory environments, and reliable test results for biological and microbiological analyses.

What Do Biological & Microbiological Laboratories Do?

Biological and microbiological laboratories detect, identify, and quantify microorganisms and biological agents to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and public health protection.

These laboratories support industries such as:
-Food & Beverage
-Water & Wastewater
-Pharmaceuticals
-Cosmetics
-Agriculture
-Environmental Monitoring
-Healthcare and Clinical Support

Testing ensures products and environments are free from harmful pathogens and meet regulatory microbiological limits.

Typical Biological & Microbiological Tests Performed

Depending on scope, laboratories may conduct:

-Total Plate Count (TPC)
-Yeast and Mold Count
-Coliform and E. coli detection
-Salmonella detection
-Listeria testing
-Staphylococcus aureus testing
-Pseudomonas analysis
-Enterobacteriaceae testing
-Sterility testing
-Environmental monitoring (air, surface swabs)
-Water microbiological analysis
-Antibiotic sensitivity testing
-Microbial limit testing
-Pathogen confirmation tests

GSAB verifies that laboratories implement validated methods, contamination control measures, and appropriate biosafety practices.

Who Can Apply?

Biological and Microbiological Accreditation is suitable for:

-Food testing laboratories
-Water testing laboratories
-Pharmaceutical microbiology labs
-Environmental monitoring laboratories
-Hospital and clinical support labs (non-diagnostic scope)
-Government public health laboratories
-Research and university laboratories

Accreditation Criteria

GSAB accredits laboratories based on: -ISO/IEC 17025
-Applicable ILAC and IAAC mandatory documents
-Biosafety and contamination control best practices
Accreditation confirms:
-Personnel competency in microbiological techniques
-Method validation and verification
-Environmental control (temperature, humidity, sterility)
-Equipment calibration and maintenance
-Media preparation and quality control
-Proficiency testing participation
-Data integrity and traceability
GSAB operates in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, ensuring impartial and independent accreditation decisions.

How the Assessment Is Conducted

GSAB follows a structured accreditation process:

1. Application & Scope Review
Laboratory defines microbiological parameters and test methods.

2. Document Review
Evaluation of:
-Quality Management System
-SOPs and testing methods
-Media preparation records
-Sterilization validation
-Equipment calibration records
-Proficiency testing participation

3. On-Site Assessment
-GSAB assessors evaluate:
-Laboratory layout and contamination control
-Aseptic techniques
-Test witnessing
-Incubation control
-Sample handling and storage
-Personnel competency

4. Non-Conformity Review
Corrective actions are evaluated for effectiveness.

5. Independent Accreditation Decision
Final decision made by an impartial decision authority.

Assessor Allocation

GSAB assigns assessors based on:

-Expertise in microbiology or biological sciences
-Industry-specific experience (food, pharma, water, environmental)
-Competence in biosafety and laboratory control systems
-Conflict-of-interest clearance

Assessment teams may include:
-Lead Assessor
-Technical Assessor (Microbiology Specialist)
-Technical Expert (if required for specialized biological testing)
All assessors are qualified and approved under GSAB competence management procedures.

Apply for Accreditation

Laboratories seeking ISO/IEC 17025 Biological or Microbiological Accreditation may contact GSAB to initiate the application process and define their scope of testing.

📧 info@gsab.org 🌐 www.gsab.org