Intertek Expands Microbiology and In Vitro Testing Capabilities

Intertek has expanded its microbiological and in vitro testing services for healthcare products (cosmetics, medical device), chemicals, textiles and materials.

The lab expansion in France will compliment a wide range of microbiology services from ISO 17025 P2 and cGMP compliant facilities across Europe and in vitro testing for many product categories. These new services supplement the wide range of analytical chemistry expertise available from the Intertek global network of facilities, providing a one stop shop for analysis and safety testing.

These testing capabilities are important for the development and safety assessment of consumer products and chemicals. Intertek´s services include antimicrobial efficacy testing on materials and coatings, disinfectant efficacy, bacterial activity studies (according to EN 1275, EN 1276, EN 1040, EN 1650, EN 13727), measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces (according to JIS Z 2801 and ISO 22196) and the impact of fungi and bacteria action on plastics (according to ISO 846).

To support the market demand for alternative methods to animal testing, Intertek has expanded its in vitro safety and toxicity testing capabilities. These include ECVAM protocols for skin irritation, skin corrosion, OECD protocols such as OECD 428, OECD 431, OECD 439, OECD 471, percutaneous passage and diffusion cells testing and in vitro efficacy testing on cosmetics and ingredients. These in vitro tests can also be applied to claim support such as moisturizing, whitening, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, elasticity / anti-stretch, solar protection SPF effects.

'Intertek´s expansion of these services was needed to meet our client´s growing requirements for antimicrobial efficacy and in vitro testing.' shared Christian Gimenez, Laboratory Director, Intertek. 'Our customers require these test methods to show compliance to a variety of requirements for a range of industries including medical devices and cosmetics where product safety is paramount.'