Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

Express Microbiology Ltd carries out water, air and surface testing for hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. Our tests are to ISO 17025 and GMP requirements. The methodologies used are to internationally recognized methods such as EP, BP,USP, ISO and EN. Client supplied methods can also be easily implemented

Our laboratories are fitted with state of the art equipment and staffed with experienced and well trained personal to carry out the following standard tests.

Testing Choices Available

Water Testing

UKAS accredited water testing to HTM 2030 and 2031 and ISO 15883

Find out more about water testing regulations by clicking this link.

Microbial Count

  • Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC)
  • Total yeasts and moulds count (TYMC)

Test for Specific Microorganisms

  • Escherichia coli (qualitative / quantitative)
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Salmonella
  • Suitability of the test method

Sterility Tests

  • Under cleanroom conditions according to EU-GMP guidelines
  • Membrane filtration
  • Direct inoculation
  • Method suitability test


All tests carried according to EU-GMP Guidelines EudraLex - Volume 4 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines.

Volume 4 of "The rules governing medicinal products in the European Union" contains guidance for the interpretation of the principles and guidelines of good manufacturing practices for medicinal products for human and veterinary use laid down in Commission Directives 91/356/EEC, as amended by Directive 2003/94/EC, and 91/412/EEC respectively.

Find out more about EU-GMP Guidelines EudraLex - Volume 4 by clicking this link.

Air Quality Monitoring

Qualitative and quantitative sampling for bacterial and fungal counts. Identification of isolates to species level. Our trained samplers can take samples day or night and transport back to lab for enumeration and identification or samples can be delivered to lab.

For more information on air quality monitoring and maintaining a clean room click here.

Another good source, US government recommendations on air quality, can be found by clicking here.

Sample Transport and Materials

Four temperature controlled vans (ambient, chilled or frozen can be accommodated) travel throughout Scotland every day. Our centrally located lab can receive samples from all of mainland Scotland the same day guaranteeing samples are tested on day of collection minimising all delays in reporting results and preserving sample integrity.

Our operators are all trained in correct sampling procedures so can offer a complete sampling service where needed.

All laboratory grade sampling materials are provided with instruction sheets for proper handling to ensure accurate results.