Microbial Testing and Research Services
Evaluating methods to control bacteria, fungi and viruses
Scanning Electron Microscope image of Staphylococcus bacteria taken by Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis https://www.flinders.edu.au/microscopy
We offer custom, personalised research services to validate or optimise products above and beyond routine testing
Who we are
Microbial testing and research services is a group of environmental health specialists with expertise in microbiology, toxicology and risk assessment led by Professor Kirstin Ross and Associate Professor Harriet Whiley
Dr Kirstin Ross is a Professor in Environmental Health at Flinders University. She is a world leader in environmental health and the development of improved professional practice. She has expertise in environmental health toxicology, microbiology and human health risk assessment.
Dr Harriet Whiley is an Associate Professor in Environmental Health at Flinders University. As an environmental microbiologist and accredited Environmental Health Officer her research is aimed at informing best practice control of pathogens to protect human health. She is passionate about collaborative research with industry and government partners to facilitate the feedback loop between research, regulation, and practice. Her research areas include infection control, biofilms, water quality, food safety and risk assessment.
Water testing
We offer a range of water testing suitable for your industry needs. This including analysis of drinking water, recreational water, wastewater and natural water bodies.
Legionella
We are experts in Legionella risk management and can analyse water, soil or biofilm samples following any of the standard methods (AS 5132:2017; AS/NZS 3896:2017; ISO/TS 12869:2019) or using our novel method which is more sensitive and enables enumeration of the alive, dead and viable but non culturable Legionella populations.
Scanning electron microscope image of Cladosporium spores taken by Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis https://www.flinders.edu.au/microscopy
Microbial air quality
We offer monitoring of indoor microbial air quality to measure bacteria, viruses and fungi. This information can be used to conduct risk assessments or to evaluate novel disinfection strategies.
Disinfection studies
We have a PC2 microbiological facility that enables us to evaluate novel antimicrobial products such as sanitisers, disinfectants, antimicrobial coatings and materials and air purification devices against specific bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Risk Assessment
We also conduct desktop studies, literature reviews and food safety risk assessment. We are also available to facilitate workshops or meetings.
We have a range of options to suit the goals of your company and have expertise in producing industry reports, industry magazine articles and peer reviewed journal publications.
Talk to us about the option of upskilling your own staff through industry linked PhD projects.