BQCIS

Controlling Microbial Risk in Sterile and Non-Sterile Products

Microbial control is essential for pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. Testing at every stage—from raw material qualification to finished product release—ensures freedom from contamination. Non-compliance can result in recalls and patient harm.

Our cGMP-compliant microbiology laboratories perform compendial testing per USP and Ph. Eur. We conduct release testing and environmental monitoring to maintain cleanroom integrity.

Services include Sterility Testing (USP <71>) for injectables and devices, and Microbial Enumeration (Bioburden) (USP <61>) for non-sterile products. Partnering with BQCIS ensures a documented, globally compliant microbial-risk management program.

Key Compendial Microbiology Services

Sterility & Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (BET)

Sterility Testing (USP <71>) confirms the absence of microorganisms in sterile products via membrane filtration or direct inoculation. Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (USP <85>) employs the LAL assay to detect pyrogenic endotoxins, ensuring patient safety for injectables, ophthalmics, and implants.

Microbial Enumeration (Bioburden) & Identification

Bioburden Testing (USP <61>) quantifies total viable microorganisms in non-sterile products; Specified Organisms Testing (USP <62>) confirms the absence of pathogens such as S. aureus or E. coli. Genetic sequencing identifies isolates for rapid root-cause analysis and CAPA.

Key Benefits of Microbiological Testing

Assurance

Regulatory Assurance

Complies with USP <61>, <62>, <85> and Ph. Eur. 2.6 series to meet FDA and EMA expectations.

Control

Enhanced Cleanroom Control

Environmental Monitoring (EM) data supports trending, root-cause analysis, and preventive actions.

Safety

Product Safety Assurance

Early detection of contamination prevents costly batch rejections and recalls.

Quality

Strengthened Quality Systems

Supports QRM frameworks and GMP readiness for regulatory audits and certifications.

Success Story

Environmental Monitoring Program Prevents Sterility Breach

The Challenge:

Rising microbial counts in a Grade B cleanroom signaled a potential sterility failure risk for a medical device manufacturer.

Our Solution:

BQCIS performed targeted EM sampling and genetic sequencing to trace the contaminant to a defective HEPA filter, then supervised its replacement and procedural updates.

The Result:

Microbial levels returned to compliance within 24 hours, avoiding product quarantine and maintaining uninterrupted sterile manufacturing status.

View More Case Studies →