We are recognised as a leading independent provider of foreign material analysis, contaminant identification and structural analysis of products.
Foreign Material and Contamination Identification
The nature and causes of product contamination can be determined by the application of advanced non-destructive procedures and complementary analytical testing techniques.
Our team has unrivalled expertise in identification of a diverse range of contaminants including:
Metal Identification
Using X-ray microanalysis and X-ray microfluorescence techniques we can distinguish and identify between a range of metal types.
Analysis can identify shards of swarf from production equipment and nuts, bolts and wires dropped during routine maintenance which frequently arise as foreign bodies. In the unfortunate case of extortion or malicious tamper, razor blades, needles and syringes are commonly used.
We can identify the composition of virtually any metal type.
Glass Identification
We have developed and established a rapid, routine procedure for investigating and identifying potential glass fragments.
A lot of information can be gained from even a small fragment using sophisticated microscopical and analytical techniques such as x-ray microanalysis and x-ray microfluoresence.
Our glass identification service can usually determine:
- The type of glass, for example, domestic, container, window, lighting, lead crystal, heat resistant and laboratory. We have a database in excess of 500 different types of glass.
- The shape and dimensions of the sample glass fragment
Polymers and Plastics
Polymers and plastics are a growing source of customer complaints because of their increased use in a wide range of applications. Our scientists use Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) as the principle technique to analyse between a wide variety of plastic contaminants. The spectra obtained are compared against reference data available in an extensive polymer library or in our own database.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) can also be used to characterise plastics by analysing the melting point, degree of crystallinity and glass transition temperature. In some cases, this will help differentiate between forms of the same polymer.
Our polymers and plastics identification service can:
- Distinguish between plastics, glass and crystalline materials
- Identify the composition and source of plastic fragments
- Distinguish, for example, high and low density polythene
Hairs and Fibres
Contamination from hairs and fibres can originate from a number of different sources, including sacking, ropes, contaminated raw materials, factory dust, infestation, personnel and packaging.
Hairs and fibres can be tested by us using a combination of light microscopy and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques to:
- Distinguish between natural and man-made fibres
- Identify the man-made fibre types
- Identify the animal origin of hair
- Suggest a route for the contamination
Insects and Mammals
Deposits and Hazes
Our teams employ a multidisciplinary approach involving microscopy, chemistry and microbiology in the investigation of deposits and hazes.
Deposits and hazes in products often arise from natural deposition or settling our of the ingredients, breakdown of filtration systems or by chemical contamination. Other possible causes include microbiological or enzymatic action.
Our analytical approach can help you to:
- Identify the chemical composition
- Determine the source and causes of the problem
- Offer solutions for preventing recurrence
Pharmaceutical Identification
Investigation of capsules and pills can be carried out by our Microscopy Laboratory. Using a combination of Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and microscopy techniques, we ca examine and identify pharmaceutical products.
Using our extensive database of pills and capsules we can help identify/analyse them by their shape, colour and markings.
Drugs of abuse in the form of powders and plant materials, for example, cannabis can also be analysed in collaboration with the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.
Our Emergency Response Service (ERS) can provide a rapid response to assist you with identification of foreign material.