Our contract and consultancy services range from purely analytical microbiology through to extensive research and development programmes for major multinational clients. Utilising a combination of traditional and novel technologies, and with extensive anaerobic facilities, we can undertake a wide range of studies to suit customer requirements.

Studies are conducted by our team of high calibre microbiologists within our purpose built, GLP-compliant laboratories which are equipped to the highest standards.

We recognise the value of independent audit and invite prospective customers to visit and inspect our systems and facilities.

As demand for stricter environmental control continues to increase, many manufacturing industries, water companies and river authorities are seeking independent assistance with the development and implementation of new monitoring protocols. In addition, many are taking advantage of outside laboratory testing facilities to ease their workload.

Microbiology specialist Don Whitley Scientific (DWS) is uniquely placed to help all industrial and water testing laboratories by providing consultancy services, sample analysis and microbiological analysis instrumentation. With 25 years experience in the microbiology industry, the development of an independent laboratory facility at the UK headquarters was a logical progression. Whilst the company offers a range of semi- and fully automated microbiology systems to improve customer productivity, it recognised the steadily increasing requirement for independent external support.

Contract microbiology laboratories
The contract microbiology laboratories were therefore established in 1986 and now offer a comprehensive range of services to meet the changing needs of the microbiology market. Fully accredited to internationally recognised standards, all work follows the testing protocols established by regulatory bodies including OECD, ISO, Pharmacopoeia and NCCLS. The purpose-built GLP-compliant laboratories are equipped with 'state of the art' instrumentation, and staffed with highly experienced microbiologists from a wide range of industries. Affiliated with leading universities and research organisations, the team are widely recognised as experts in their field and ensure that the company is always at the forefront of the latest developments.

The Microbiology Services Division offers a range of services, not only undertaking sample analysis, but also providing expert help and advice on method development and process monitoring. The laboratories are staffed by highly experienced industrial microbiologists who understand their customers' problems and can work with them to develop solutions.

Over the past five years demand for GLP-compliant microbiological testing has continued to increase in all areas of industry and research. Consequently many more organisations are now taking advantage of outside laboratory testing facilities to ease their workload.

Techniques such as real-time PCR and gel electrophoresis are essential for amongst other things detection of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes, assessing their prevalence, and tracking transfer between bacterial species in natural ecosystems. DWS has built effective models for human and animal ecosystems, which have been used to study the behaviour of both antimicrobial compounds and normal intestinal bacteria following exposure to a series of physiological  conditions simulating passage through the human GI tract and into the environment.

Utilising a combination of traditional, novel and molecular technologies, with extensive anaerobic facilities, the company can undertake a wide range of studies - from routine sample analysis and analytical microbiology through to protocol development, validation and R&D programmes.