Services and Consulting from BCS Laboratories, Inc

Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing Services

Our firm has extensive experience in designing novel protocols for testing experimental devices for the presence of a variety of pathogens. We utilize ASTM, AOAC, and AATCC standards and protocols for evaluating antimicrobial efficacy of novel coatings and disinfectants.

Biosolids Analysis and Testing Services

Our Laboratory team routinely monitors for various human pathogens in Biosolids and Soil. We typically analyze for enteric viruses, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, helminth ova, and bacterial pathogens. We are currently involved in numerous pathogen monitoring projects of biosolids and biosolid amended soils within the state of Florida, throughout the United States, and internationally.

Cryptosporidium & Giardia Viability Testing Services

In addition to the detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in submitted samples, we also provide potenial viability testing by vital dye staining. This procedure lacks the sensitivity and accuracy to determine the viability of the detected cysts and oocysts. Thus to reliably and accurately asses viability of Cryptosporidium oocysts, we perform a cell culture infectivity assay. We utilize the foci detection method on infected HCT-8 Cell...

Cytotoxicity Laboratory Testing Services

We provide direct contact cell culture or agar diffusion testing of materials to be used in medical devices or materials for cytotoxicity of CCL-1 (L-929) cell culture. Assessment of cytotoxicity by this method is one of the many tests used to evaluate the biological response to a material intended for medical use.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia Analysis and Testing Laboratory Services

Cryptosporidiosis is a intestinal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. It causes severe diarrhea and is typically self limiting. Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as Crypto (CDC info page).Many species of Cryptosporidium exist that infect humans and a wide range of animals. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes...

Enterovirus Laboratory Testing Services

Human enteric viruses are often present in domestic sewage, treated wastewater, recreational surface waters, and biosolids intended for land application. The detection of viable viruses indicates the definite presence of fecal pollution and of human pathogens.

Groundwater Testing Service

Our Laboratory team routinely monitors for various human pathogens in ground water. We typically analyze for enteric viruses, Cryptoporidium and Giardia, helminth ova, and a suite of bacteria and viral indicators and pathogens.

Consulting Services

In order to meet the demands of our clients, we offer environmental and microbiological consulting, training, and site assesment services to assist in the identification and resolution of unknown problems or concerns. Consulting services are available on a variety of topics in conjunction with our other services.

Pathogen Detection and Analysis Services

A variety of bacterial, protozoan, and viral pathogens can be present in food and water. Our lab routinely tests for and quantifies these organisms on a per sample basis. We offer both molecular microbiology and culture based methods for the detection and enumeration of these pathogens. Below is a partial list of representative pathogen/indicator analyses offered by BCS:

Polyomarvirus Testing Services

Federal and state regulatory agencies mandate the use of fecal coliforms, E. coli and/or Enterococci as microbial indicators of water quality. However, these traditional indicators of fecal pollution do not adequately assess the specific sources of pollution or the associated health risks. Many methods have been developed to identify sources of fecal contamination, and this field of study has been collectively termed Microbial Source Tracking (MST)....

Environmental Virology - Enterovirus Testing Services

Human enteric viruses are often present in domestic sewage, treated wastewater, recreational surface waters, and biosolids intended for land application. The detection of viable viruses indicates the definite presence of fecal pollution and of human pathogens.

Microbial Source Tracking Services

BCS has successfully developed and marketed several cutting edge MST services that are now being widely used by the water industry. Clients include environmental engineering firms, federal, state and local government entities, wastewater facilities, and watershed management groups. In order for us to focus primarily on pathogen detection and testing, we are pleased to announce that the Source Molecular Corporation of Miami, Florida will be providing...

BCS Laboratories, Inc Services