New microbiological laboratory opens at IOM's regional laboratory in Stafford

IOM gained UKAS accreditation at the end of July for the analysis of airborne and contact sample plates.

In January 2010 accreditation was obtained for the sampling of microorganisms in hospital operating theatres and sterile service department packing rooms. The technique involves sampling air onto Agar Petri dishes using a high flow Casella airborne bacteria sampler, which is also known as a slit sampler. This work enables healthcare clients in hospitals to comply with the requirements of Department of Heath - Hospital Technical Memorandum HTM 03-01 and HTM 2025.

Earlier this year IOM decided to undertake the analysis of sample plates in-house. A brand new facility was created by Naomi Astbury (Consultant Microbiologist), Jerry Slann and Lynn Rogers at our Stafford Office.

Work started on this new laboratory at the beginning of April, and the first samples were analysed on 5th May. UKAS accreditation was gained on the 27th July 2011 for the enumeration of Total Viable Counts (TVC).

Additional analysis which is not covered by the scope of IOM's accreditation includes the basic identification of bacteria and moulds to genus level. This assists in helping to determine resident airborne microbiota of operating theatres and packing rooms.