Reliable mycobacteria testing
Mycobacterium & heater–cooler units
Mycobacteria, including NTM (Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria), are ubiquitous and able to cause secondary respiratory and skin infections to immunocompromised patients. Testing allows potential outbreaks to be prevented and vulnerable patients to be protected. We provide testing by qPCR as well as culture and can also provide testing for Mycobacterium chimaera on the water within heater-cooler units.
Why choose Normec?
Fast qPCR testing delivers results within 48 hours
UKAS-accredited methods for both qPCR and culture
Speciation available for high-priority species like M. chimaera, M. abscessus, and M. avium
Air and water sampling available for heater–cooler units following Public Health England guidance
Rapid detection of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)
Hospitals and clinics rely on this testing to identify non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including Mycobacterium chimaera, which can cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients. These bacteria are found in water systems and can spread through aerosols during procedures like heart surgery.
Early detection through fast qPCR testing allows healthcare providers to act quickly, reducing risks and keeping equipment in use. Many also use this service to meet national health guidelines and avoid outbreaks linked to contaminated devices or environments.
Mycobacteria testing by qPCR
We offer real-time qPCR testing that detects and quantifies Mycobacterium species in purified water systems. This method gives results in 48 hours, compared to the six weeks needed for culture-based methods. In addition to general detection, we can identify key species of concern (M. abscessus, M. avium, and M. chimaera) and test either directly from water samples or from positive culture samples.
Environmental Mycobacteria
This testing follows method MIC018a and uses Middlebrook 7H10 agar, aligning with Department of Health HTM 01-06 guidelines (2016). We hold UKAS accreditation for this service, and positive isolates can be stored for further speciation if needed.
Heater–Cooler Units
Contaminated heater–cooler units have been linked to patient infections during cardiac surgery. We follow Public Health England protocols (2015 and 2016) for water and air testing in and around these devices. In addition to Mycobacterium testing, we also test for Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, TVCs, and moulds. Our consultancy team is trained in PHE’s sampling and culturing methods, ensuring thorough analysis.
Case Study
Laboratory analysis to prevent infection after open heart surgery
Contamination risks in heater-cooler units can have serious consequences for patients undergoing open heart surgery. Discover how Spectrum Medical, with support from Normec Latis Scientific, validated the effectiveness of their new design to eliminate bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mycobacteria—leading to safer surgeries and FDA approval.
Curious how our approach supported Spectrum Medical in ensuring patient safety and bringing their product to market?
Accreditations & Recognitions
We go for quality. For guaranteed results.
At Normec Latis Scientific, we uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. We are certified for: - ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems - ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems - ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems These certifications demonstrate our commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and sustainable services, while continuously improving our processes and protecting people and the environment. Proficiency Testing Proficiency testing is central to our quality system and provides confidence that our methods, equipment and staff are delivering the levels of quality required by UKAS and our clients. Normec Latis Scientific participates in external proficiency testing schemes provided by Public Health England and FAPAS.
UKAS schedule of accreditation
Our laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the norm ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the British, European and International Standard for quality assurance in analytical laboratories. The full standard covers quality assurance and method specific procedures, with all individual methods inspected and approved by UKAS. Normec Latis Scientific Limited, a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 2279.
Legionella Control Association
Latis Scientific hold the LCA Certificate of Registration issued by the Legionella Control Association (LCA).
These services might also be of interest to you
Validation services for product claims
Multi drug-resistant pathogens
Legionella testing
Leading companies in this service
Normec Latis Scientific
London United Kingdom