BQCIS

Forensic-Level Analysis of Foreign Matter and Impurities

Contaminant Identification is essential when unknown particles, residues, or discolorations appear in raw materials, intermediates, or finished products. Whether metallic, organic, or particulate in nature, these contaminants can compromise product safety, reliability, and brand trust.

BQCIS employs a multi-instrumental analytical approach combining advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography to identify the chemical and physical origin of contamination. Our methods provide root-cause clarity—supporting product recalls, supplier qualification, and process improvement.

Results are traceable, reproducible, and compliant with international quality frameworks such as ISO/IEC 17025, ASTM E1613, and ICH Q6A.

Key Activities in Contaminant Identification

Microscopic Examination (SEM/EDX)

Visual and elemental characterization of particulate matter and surface residues.

FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis

Identifies organic contaminants, films, or polymers by molecular fingerprinting.

GC-MS Chromatography

Determines volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds responsible for odor or contamination.

XRF & ICP-MS Screening

Detects trace metallic contaminants or environmental pollutants at ultra-low concentrations.

Particle Isolation & Characterization

Separates and identifies discrete particulate impurities in liquids, powders, or coatings.

Failure & Root Cause Analysis

Correlates contamination origin to process deviations, tooling wear, or supplier non-conformance.

Cleanroom Sampling & Validation

Assesses airborne or surface contamination in controlled environments and packaging areas.

Certified Documentation

Delivers detailed investigation reports suitable for regulatory and legal defense.

Unknown Substance Identification

A comprehensive analytical workflow to identify completely unknown substances found in a product or process.

Key Benefits of Contaminant Identification

Root Cause Resolution

Root Cause Resolution

Provides forensic evidence linking contamination to its origin within the production or supply process.

Quality Preservation

Quality Preservation

Prevents reoccurrence through corrective and preventive actions, safeguarding brand integrity.

Regulatory Assurance

Regulatory Assurance

Supports documentation and verification for FDA, EMA, and ISO 9001 compliance investigations.

Process Optimization

Process Optimization

Enhances manufacturing reliability through data-driven contamination control strategies.

Success Story

Contamination Source Analysis in Beverage Production

The Challenge:

A global beverage manufacturer discovered fine particulate contamination in bottling lines, affecting clarity and shelf stability.

Our Solution:

BQCIS used SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis to identify the contaminant as a mixture of glass and polymer particles originating from cap-molding residue.

The Result:

Supplier tooling adjustments eliminated the defect, restoring product quality and preventing losses exceeding USD 1.2M per production run.

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