Here all the microbiological parameters in samples of water, air, soils, sludges and surfaces, that are included in the current legislation, are analyzed, and in general all those microorganisms of hydric transmission, that can be pathogenic for human beings, are determined.

The main task of this section is to offer a fast and high quality analytical service in the study of the samples.

We have multiple accredited conventional techniques that include different areas of microbiology. We are prepared to perform routine controls which can give effective solutions to situations where the presence of a pathogen is suspected.
Furthermore we have a molecular biology area to perform fast identification techniques for those microorganisms which are difficult to identify by other methods or methods of slow growing. In this area we are specialists in design, development, validation and implementation of fast and specific molecular methods, based on nucleic acid amplification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Our methods, based on PCR are characterized by being extremely fast, sensitives and specifics and easy to use. Different uses for each necessity:

• Conventional PCR that allows to detect the total cells in a quick manner
• Real time PCR that allows doing a quantification of the total number of the cells
• Finally we are able to detect the presence of viable cells by RT-PCR

We specifically have a wide experience in the study of Legionella, although it is also used to perform Salmonella or environmental virus (enterovirus).

Other activities and services are:

• Implementation of systems based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Microbiological quality control of indoor atmospheres (hospitals, offices, hotels,…) and of outdoor atmospheres (garbage dumps, waste water treatment plants,…)
• Nucleic acid sequencing using automatic capillary electrophoresis sequencing. Bacterial identification by 16S DNAr sequencing.
• Human enterovirus investigation by isolation of  monkey kidney cell cultures (BGM, Vero…) and by means of specific RNA amplification using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique (RT-PCR).
• Intestinal Nematodes study
• Important investigation and development activity being geared to fast molecular method application for microbiological diagnosis of atmospheres and for quality assurance in microbiologic laboratories.