ALS Environmental are one of two UK laboratories selected to participate in a global multi laboratory trial to generate validation data for the next update of the International Standards Organisation  (ISO) standard 11731. This draft document is entitled "Water Quality  - Enumeration of Legionella" and the analytical data will be generated during March 2015.

The document is currently draft and has been distributed for review and comment. This second edition of ISO 11731 cancels and replaces the editions (ISO 11731:1998, ISO 11731-2:2004), which have been technically revised.

ISO is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organisations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardisation. 

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

In total, 29 laboratories from 12 countries will participate (Austria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States). 

Pervinder Johal, ALS Environmentals Coventry Laboratory Operations Manager, comments:

"We are proud to have been selected to participate in this multi laboratory trial to produce validation data for the updated ISO 11731 standard.  With 29 labs participating across 12 countries from the UK, Europe and the US this truly is a global multi lab, multi country exercise.

ALS Environmental offer UKAS accredited Legionella analysis to the ISO11731 standard, with the unique ability to offer rapid MALDI-ToF confirmation approach which saves clients 2 days on positive results and can provide a full Legionella speciation in over 98% of samples. Furthermore, we are able to offer a PCR rapid detection service, which can provide Legionella analytical data in under 24 hours, when required. 

If you would like to discuss your Legionella or associated Microbiological analysis, including MALDI-ToF Confirmation and PCR analysis, please contact your Customer Service Co-ordinator or contact us on 02476 42 12 13.