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Today marks World Lab Day, a moment to recognise the laboratories and scientific expertise that underpin healthcare and research advances. Behind every breakthrough, regulatory approval and product development milestone is a foundation of precise, reliable laboratory work, often carried out behind the scenes, but essential to advancing science.
We’re particularly proud that our own in-house microbiology laboratory has played a vital role not only in providing direct customer insight that shapes the design and manufacture of our specialist instrumentation, but also in supporting the wider scientific community. Built on decades of expertise, the contract microbiology services offered by the DWS laboratory continue to be trusted by partners globally to deliver accurate, high-quality results across a wide range of applications.
Since 1991, our laboratory has been consistently relied upon, from routine analysis and quality control to substantial research and development programmes for major multinational pharmaceutical companies. Ensuring both technical accuracy and compliance with frameworks such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), our services span the full spectrum of microbiology, from veterinary Mycoplasma testing and anaerobic Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing through to wound dressing testing and enumeration of biotherapeutics. View the full list of services we offer here.
The following examples highlight how our laboratory has supported a range of external organisations, contributing to the 50 years of trust we are proud to celebrate across the entire company today.
ECO Animal Health
ECO Animal Health is a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals, developing and marketing products focused on antibiotics and vaccines for pigs and poultry. The DWS Laboratory has worked with ECO Animal Health for over 25 years, supporting the development of veterinary medicinal products through in vitro microbiological studies.
Over this time, our laboratory has carried out a wide range of work to determine the susceptibility of key pig and poultry pathogens to antimicrobial agents. This has included organisms such as Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Glaesserella parasuis, alongside more fastidious species including the anaerobe Clostridium perfringens and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Studies have ranged from MIC determinations and antibacterial kill curves through to monitoring the development of antimicrobial resistance in target pathogens, with many projects conducted in compliance with GLP to support regulatory submissions and marketing authorisation.
Commenting on this long-standing partnership, Alfonso Lopez Rodriguez, their Global Project Leader, highlighted the DWS Laboratory’s “advanced microbiology knowledge,” alongside an approach that is “exceptionally reliable” and “proactive in resolving issues during the execution of studies.”
With experience across both aerobic and anaerobic organisms (often supported by the use of various Whitley Anaerobic Workstations), this expertise has been key to delivering consistent data across a range of studies. As Alfonso notes, the process runs “very smoothly from project discussions to quote, execution, and delivery of reports,” with the “flexibility to adjust to the customer’s needs” also recognised as a significant benefit. As a result of this service, the DWS Laboratory has “generated key data to address regulatory requirements” for the ECO Animal Health team, reinforcing a partnership built on consistency and confidence over time.
Knoell Animal Health
Knoell Animal Health is a global Contract Research Organisation (CRO), providing regulatory affairs and product development services to the animal health industry. The DWS Laboratory has worked with the organisation (as well as previously acquired Cyton Biosciences and Triveritas) for over 20 years, supporting a wide range of microbiological studies.
Reflecting on this collaboration, Deborah Beattie, Senior Clinical Research Associate, highlighted the value of the “reliable, timely reporting” and “responsive, professional service” delivered by the DWS Laboratory, further emphasising the importance of consistency when supporting diverse research programmes. She also noted the practical advantages of working with a UK-based laboratory, helping to avoid potential customs delays and ensuring projects could be delivered efficiently.
The breadth of work is reflected in the variety of studies carried out by our team, from antimicrobial susceptibility testing of cattle and pig respiratory pathogens to the evaluation of pet products such as antibacterial wipes. This has included MIC testing, antibacterial kill assays and investigations into antimicrobial resistance - not only in target pathogens, but also in commensal organisms and potential foodborne species such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus and Campylobacter found in the intestinal tract of antibiotic-treated animals. Alongside this, the DWS Laboratory has also supported the identification of bacterial strains from swab samples, contributing to wider client-led research programmes where reliable microbiological expertise is essential.
CEESA
Finally, we spoke with Hervé Marion, Secretary General at CEESA, who reflected on the company’s long-standing relationship with DWS Laboratory:
“Since 2010, DWS has handled and processed the entire laboratory process of CEESA’s four veterinary Mycoplasma projects”, he acknowledges. “This has included the isolation and identification of Mycoplasma strains, confirmation of organism identity and the storage of strains within microbial banks, alongside MIC testing conducted at a significant scale (a typical processing of between 400 and 500 isolates per collection period).”
When asked to comment on the service experience, Hervé noted, “What stands out is the reliability and expertise the team have in Mycoplasma processing”, essential for supporting both the volume and complexity of CEESA’s projects. “In addition, the processes are smooth, clear and very professional, working in excellent coordination with our own team.”
This end-to-end support has enabled CEESA to rely on the DWS Laboratory to deliver their complex microbiology projects over a sustained period.
Across these examples, a common theme emerges: long-term partnerships built on trust, technical expertise and reliable delivery. Whether supporting regulatory submissions, enabling complex microbiological studies or providing specialist capabilities, we are extremely proud that our contract microbiology services play a vital role in advancing research and product development across the industry.
As we mark World Lab Day and celebrate 50 years of Don Whitley Scientific, we recognise the importance of the people, expertise and partnerships that sit at the heart of our laboratory. We look forward to continuing to support organisations around the world, providing the trusted microbiology services needed to drive scientific progress for years to come.
England