Lab Equipment Certification and Testing San Diego

R&D Laboratory Equipment provides lab and on-site testing and certification for all unidirectional flow devices. Our tests are performed per applicable federal and local guidelines, industry specifications (ISO, cGMP, IEST, NSF, FDA), and the manufacturer’s specifications.

Tests performed include:

• Airflow velocity profile: This test ensures that the air in the work area is unidirectional and functioning as designed to prevent cross-contamination.
• HEPA filter integrity testing: This test documents leakage and defects, demonstrating that no contamination will enter the work area through the supply filter.
• Airflow visualization: This test ensures good coverage of the operator and equipment while highlighting zones with poor air movement.
• Non-viable particle counting: This test is performed according to ISO 14644-1 or EU Annex 1. It reports the amount of particulate matter within the work zones.

Optional testing includes:

• Light testing: This test ensures that fluorescent lighting is sufficient to prevent operator fatigue.
• Vibration testing: This test ensures that the product is not subject to damage due to vibration.
• Sound testing: This test ensures that the equipment's operation will not contribute to worker fatigue.

All biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are field-tested and certified per NSF/ANSI 49, OSHA, NIH/CDC, and the manufacturer’s specifications. These tests should be conducted:

• Whenever the units are installed or relocated
• After significant maintenance, including the replacement of HEPA filters
• Every 12 months to ensure ongoing compliance.

Primary tests performed include:

• Inflow velocity measurements: This test ensures proper inflow is maintained for operator and environmental protection.
• Downflow velocity measurements: This test ensures the air in the work area is unidirectional and functioning as designed, preventing cross-contamination and providing product protection.
• HEPA filter integrity testing: Documents leakage or defects and ensures HEPA filters provide required filtration to prevent product and environmental contamination.
• Smoke pattern testing: It verifies the airflow direction using a slightly visible fog.
• Site installation testing and alarm calibration: This test confirms alarm performance and assesses the installation of units for NSF and OSHA compliance.

Optional testing:

• Fluorescent light testing: This test ensures sufficient fluorescent lighting levels to prevent operator fatigue.
• Sound testing: This test verifies hood operation will not contribute to worker fatigue.
• Airflow visualization studies: This test identifies appropriate work zones and identifies techniques that could lead to contamination.
• Non-viable particle testing: This test, performed according to ISO 14644-1 or EC Annex 1, quantitatively evaluates air quality in terms of particulate matter in the work area.

All fume hoods are tested and certified per the best standards and procedures by OSHA, AIHA/ANSI, SEFA, NEBB, and ASHRAE. Typically, fume hood tests should be performed:

• Whenever the units are installed or relocated
• After significant maintenance procedures
• Annually to ensure ongoing compliance.

Test performed include:

• Airflow face velocity measurement: This test measures airflow at the face of the fume hood, typically 28-30 inches above the work surface.
• Airflow visualization test: This test documents airflow patterns within the fume hood and in front of the unit.
• Tracer gas static test: This test releases inert gas into the hood to verify the equipment's containment.
• The tracer gas sash movement effect: test verifies the effect of opening and closing the sash on the fume hood's containment.
• Tracer gas perimeter scan test: This test verifies any leakage that may occur and indicates the location of the leakage for repair.
• Alarm and monitoring systems check: This test confirms that the fume hood alarms work correctly.

At R&D, we test and certify cleanrooms to ensure facilities comply with the required standards and customer specifications. Our services are designed to meet regulatory, industry, and certification requirements according to various standards, including ISO, cGMP, CNBT, NSF, FDA, and IEST.

Cleanrooms should be certified annually to ensure ongoing compliance and whenever significant changes or maintenance are carried out on the equipment.

Tests performed include:

• Particle count testing: This test measures the number and size of airborne particles using specialized equipment, such as laser particle counters. The results are compared to the standards for the cleanroom’s certification.
• Airflow and pressure testing: This test ensures that the cleanroom maintains the correct airflow patterns and positive/negative pressure to prevent contamination.
• HEPA/ULPA filter integrity testing: verifies the efficiency and integrity of HEPA/ULPA filters in trapping particles and maintaining cleanroom air quality.
• Room pressure: This test ensures that cleanrooms are positively pressurized to prevent the entry of low-quality air, preventing product contamination.
• Environmental monitoring: This monitors ecological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and air exchange rates, crucial to maintaining a cleanroom environment.

R&D performs certifications for biosafety cabinets, HEPA filters, fume hoods, and decontamination of lab spaces and equipment. We also buy and sell used laboratory equipment in San Diego and southern California for life science, biotech, pharmaceutical, and technology companies. Our commitment is to provide the best service and lowest prices in town!