Microbiology Testing

Storage Tanks

At Sterile Mate, we provide comprehensive microbiology testing services utilizing advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment to accurately determine microbial organisms’ presence, absence, or concentration. We recognize the critical role microbiological analysis plays in safeguarding public health and quality, and we collaborate closely with our clients to address their specific analytical needs across a wide range of matrices, including drinking water, wastewater, soil, and Air.

Our laboratory is staffed by highly qualified, certified professionals who perform all analyses in strict accordance with the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA), ensuring the highest standards of reliability and compliance for municipal, surface, waste, and cooling water examinations.

Sterile Mate is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These credentials reflect our commitment to technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of precise and dependable microbiological testing solutions tailored to our clients’ requirements.

Sterile Mate offers the following Microbiology strict quality assurance guidelines

Culture Identifications to Genus Level

Yeast and Mold Identification / Screens

Bacterial Identifications / Screens

Total Coliforms and E.coli

Enterococcus

Fecal Coliform / Fecal Streptococcus

Legionella

Heterotrophic Plate Count

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Iron and Sulfate reducing bacteria

Gram positive organisms including Staphylococcus Aureus, Enterococcus and Streptococcus aureus species

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas species identification

Non-culturable

Culturable

Mold Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSQPCR)

List of Tests in Microbiology
Drinking Water Coliform	Legionella_PCR
Total coliform by Enzyme substrate	*Legionella Pneumophilia Serogroup 1
E.coli by Enzyme Substrate	*Legionella Pneumophilia Serogroup 2-14
Enterococcus by Enzyme Substrate	*Legionella Spp
Total Coliform by Membrane Filtration	Staphylococcus aureus
E.coli By Membrane Filtration	Rapid Fecal coliform
Fecal Coliform by Membrane Filtration	Vibrio species
Enterococcus by Membrane Filtration	Yeast & Mold
Fecal Streptococcus by Membrane Filtration	Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Geometric Mean Fecal Coliform	Salmonella Spp
Sewage Screen	Microbiologically Influenced corrosion (MIC)
Total Coliform by Multiple Tube	Acid Producing Bacteria
E.coli By Multiple Tube	Iron-Related bacteria
Fecal Coliform by Multiple Tube	Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
Heterotropic Plate Count	Slime-Forming Bacteria
Anaerobic Plate Count	Heterotropic Aerobic Bacteria
Legionella_CDC	Denitrifying Bacteria
*Legionella Pneumophilia Serogroup 1	Nitrifying Bacteria
*Legionella Pneumophilia Serogroup 2-14	Zone of Inhibition
*Legionella Spp	Microscopic Exam

FAQs

1. Where is your laboratory located?

Sterile Mate’s corporate office is located at 13211 Stafford Rd, Suite 800, Missouri City, TX 77489. Based on our accreditations, we serve clients throughout the United States. Please view our contact us page for the complete addresses of our service centers.

2. What are your business hours?

Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: Open for receiving only 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
After-hours / Emergency Testing: Please call 800.988.3892 if emergency testing is needed after normal business hours or during holidays

3. Do you provide sample pick up and courier services?

Please contact your Project Manager at 800.988.3892 or info@sterilemate.com to schedule sample pick-up and courier services. Sample pick-up is available in the cities and surrounding areas of our laboratory and service center locations in Houston, TX; Baton Rouge, LA; and Tempe, AZ. Additional locations may be available; please contact your Project Manager to learn more. Manager to learn more.

4. What is your standard turnaround time (TAT)?

Our standard TAT is 7 business days or later for most tests. For test results needed in less than 7 business days, rush charges may apply. Sterile Mate will provide the TAT on each quote.

5. What are rush charges and when are they needed?

Rush charges may apply to the tests, if needed and/or specified that the test must be rushed. Rush charges will only apply to those tests in which rushing the sample testing implies an actual cost.

1 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 100% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
2 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 75% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
3 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 50% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
4 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 25% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
Sample matrix may affect feasible turnaround time

Note for Asbestos: A prep charge fee will be incurred if the samples are prepped but not able to be analyzed due to step rules for overloading. Bulk PLM that requires a separate report and analysis for individual layers will be charged accordingly, per layer.

6. Will you ship sample kits from Sterile Mate to our facility? If so, what is the cost?

Sterile Mate will pay for the outgoing sample kit shipment costs if the kit order is received 5 business days in advance by using the most cost effective means of shipping available (Examples: UPS Ground Service, FedEx Ground, FedEx Express 3 Day, etc…). For International shipping, the client is responsible for shipping costs both outbound and inbound.

7. Do you provide sample media?

Sterile Mate can provide sample media (at cost with a surcharge), provided the laboratory is given at least 5 days’ notice. Routine kits include PVC filters, MCE filters, sorbent tubes, chain of custody forms, and Federal Express return shipment forms with Sterile Mate’s ID number. Other media, pumps, and related equipment are available for additional charges. All sample media will be charged to the client immediately after the media kit is ordered or given to the client.