Know-how

Bioburden and Microbial Contamination Q&A

Know-how

Why Should You Measure Microbial Contamination On-line?

On-line bioburden measurement delivers instant detection of microorganisms and reduces lab measurements.
On-line bioburden measurement delivers instant detection of microorganisms and reduces lab measurements.

Real-time monitoring of conductivity and Total organic carbon levels in Purified Water and Water for Injection is well-established and widely used. However, for another vital pharmaceutical water measurement, microbial counts, traditional lab measurement of cell culture growth dominates. This method is not only time-consuming and retrospective, but also regularly results in the costly investigation of false-positive results.

The pharmaceutical industry therefore encourages real-time monitoring to provide instant notification of microbial excursions. A new method of microbial contamination analysis provides continuous and accurate bioburden measurement throughout a water system.

Assurance of in-specification microbial levels and real-time identification of excursions leads to improved product quality, greater process control, risk reduction and lower operating costs.

Find out more in this Q&A.

Highlights:

  • Why you should measure bioburden on-line
  • Improve accuracy and eliminate contamination risks
  • New laser-based technology provides real-time microbial detection