Capabilities

 

Cel Analytical maintains accreditation through the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and all testing meets the standards of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

We employ highly trained analysts and experienced field certified technicians, for a combined work experience that spans the fields of microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and chemistry. For a complete list of Cel Analytical’s capabilities in any of the fields below – section under 'Lab Services'.

Microbiology

Cel Analytical routinely monitors surface water and drinking water at the local and state level, and ensures that our clients comply with EPA requirements defined in the ‘Total Coliform Rule and the ‘Surface Water Treatment Rule’.

In addition to compliance monitoring, we maintain accreditation for a wide range of methods developed by the EPA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CDC_Elite for Legionella and the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Common microbiology techniques include:

  • Multiple-Tube Fermentation/Most Probable Number (MPN)

  • Membrane Filtration Techniques

  • Presence/Absence Methods

  • Heterotrophic plate counts

  • Bacteriophage Detection

  • Pathogen Detection - Class A and Class B Biosolids

  • Pathogen Detection - Drinking Water and Wastewater Culture methods)

  • Legionella (Culture Method-CDC Elite/Legiolert IDEXX)

Cell Culture Techniques

Cel Analytical currently offers tissue culture assay(s) for evaluating cytotoxicity of biological contaminants in environmental samples. Total culturable virus assays (TCVA) for enteric viruses can be processed in a number of cell lines depending on the type of viruses Results of Cytopathic effects (CPE) is reported as Most Probable Number of Virus per volume of the sample tested. Detection of enteric virus in biosolid samples is performed by Plaque assay. We can assist our clients in developing specific assays to meet their project needs.

Common Cell Cultures include:

  • Total culturable virus Assay (TCVA):

    • Enterovirus in BGM cells

    • Adenovirus in A549 cells

    • Beta corona virus HRT cells

  • Biosolids plaque assay or Most probable Number TCVA assay

Molecular Techniques

Cel Analytical uses quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for the amplification of DNA/RNA to provide our clients with faster and more accurate pathogen identification than traditional microbiological methods. We are proud to be one of five national laboratories awarded a contract by the USEPA to validate molecular techniques for Drinking water quality indicators, and a lead Lab with Water Research Foundation to validate molecular methods for viruses including SARS-Cov2 in wastewater

Using our extensive molecular biology background, we can provide pathogen-specific molecular assays to address the individual needs of our clients.

Some of the pathogens that Cel-A has recently tested by molecular analysis include:

  • Noroviruses

  • Enteroviruses

  • Adenovirus

  • Enterohemorrhagic E. coli, including E. coli O157:H7

  • Campylobacter

  • Shigella

  • Listeria

  • Bacteroides sp (Human, birds, dog, horse ruminant markers)

  • Bacteriophages MS2/Phix 174

  • SARS-CoV 2 N1/N2/E2 in raw and treated sewage

  • Pepper Mottle Virus

  • HCoV-OC43

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Immunochemistry Techniques

Detection of certain pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and some chemicals including toxins produced by Cyanobacteria (algae) in water requires the application of specialized antibody-based detection systems.

We routinely monitors for these pathogens or chemicals using the following techniques:

  • Immunomagnetic Separation (MS) / Fluorescence Microscopy - for detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in source water and wastewater.

  • Direct Fluorescence antibody assays for pathogens such as Vibrio Cholera, legionella,

  • Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)-for detection of Cyanobacteria toxins in source water and surface water.

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemical analyses are performed on a variety of environmental matrix types, including soil, water, sediment/biosolids.

For organics pollutants, radioactivity, and toxicity evaluations, Cel-A works closely with local certified laboratories that specialized in perform these analyses.




Wet chemistry (gravimetric, titrimetric, electrochemical, pH, chlorine, hardness, alkalinity, and conductivity. percent solids and biological oxygen demands are examples of the analytes performed in-house.)