Intertek Microbiology Laboratory Achieves Bio-Safety Level 2
20 Feb 2014
Expanded Biological Testing Capabilities Help Manufacturers Get Microbial-resistant Products to Market Faster
Cortland, New York – Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, today announces its Cortland, NY, personal protective equipment (PPE) microbiology laboratory has increased its microbiological testing capabilities to Bio-Safety Level 2 (BSL-2). With this achievement the lab provides testing with a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms.
In the United States, microbiology labs are classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within four Biological Safety Levels (BSLs), which are segmented according to the safety measures needed to mitigate risk to personnel or the environment. BSL-1 is considered to be of little or no risk to human health, whereas, BSL-4 is high risk and may include weaponized biological warfare agents like Anthrax.
To meet the BSL-2 requirements, Intertek invested in state-of-the-art engineering safety controls and conducted extensive training for an already highly experienced staff. “We invested in expanding our chemistry, microbiology, flame, impact, fall from height and physical capabilities to provide a complete solution for our customers. This creates efficiencies for our customers and ultimately works to shorten their time to market,” said Intertek senior microbiologist Adrian Buzea. “This lab allows us to provide unparalleled service to the market as we can deliver on a diverse set of performance requirements.”
With the enhanced capabilities, the products tested at the lab have also become more diverse. Projects are already underway to test blood-borne pathogen-resistant gloves, hypoallergenic air filters and Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of medical face mask materials.
For more information and technical advice please visit our website or contact:
icenter@intertek.com
800.WORLD.LAB
For media information, please contact:
Michael Kremer
Global Marketing Manager
michael.kremer@intertek.com;sandra.gavina@intertek.com
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About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 36,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com