Laboratory testing is an important method to determine the quality of a product, especially if the product will be marketed internationally. This research was carried out using a sample which was then studied following a series of certain procedures.
Generally, in the health sector, laboratory tests are carried out to determine a particular disease through a sample. However, this can also be done in several other fields to determine quality. For example, microbiological testing, testing on food products, forestry and the environment.
What is a Laboratory Test?
Laboratory testing is a method used to test the quality of a product before it is distributed or marketed. The aim is to ensure the quality of the product has been tested when it reaches consumers or clients. This test is carried out using a series of procedures that comply with SNI (Indonesian National Standards) or international standards.
When a product has been tested and certified, of course there is no need to doubt its quality. This product is ready to compete in the international market with other quality products.
Therefore, this test is very important to do. Especially by companies that want to spread their wings in the international arena. You can do this at a place that has clear certification, such as MUTU International.
Types of Laboratory Tests
There are several types of laboratory tests that can be carried out to test a product. Starting from composition analysis, contamination detection, metal testing, material testing, to regulatory testing. The explanation can be seen below:
- Composition Analysis
Composition analysis is a qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative means that the analysis is carried out to look for elements in the sample. Meanwhile, quantitative means analysis is carried out to determine the number of elements contained in the sample.
The test is carried out depending on the specimen to be tested. The method used in this analysis is spectroscopy. This method is used to determine the chemical composition of the sample and find other substances that can affect the quality of the sample.
- Contamination Detection
During the production process, the product has the potential to be contaminated by other substances. This contamination can be in the form of surface residue, turbidity, particles, or chemical residue originating from the production process.
This can happen to a variety of products, including food products, cosmetics, medicines, forestry, and others.
For example, in the process of weaving leather, chromium is often used. However, the product must be free from signs of chromium so as not to violate EU REACH regulations. If chromium is still detected, it means that the tanning process does not comply with existing regulations.
By carrying out laboratory tests, the presence of other substances that contaminate the product can be identified. Furthermore, manufacturers can use the results of this test to improve production processes and the causes of contamination that can occur.
- Metal Testing
The next type of laboratory test is metal testing. This test is carried out to determine the composition, properties and metal alloys contained in the sample. Through this test, it can be seen whether the sample contains foreign metal substances or other substances that do not comply with the provisions.
The tests carried out usually do not have the potential to cause damage, but rather the alloy will be broken down so that its composition can be determined with certainty. Next, the test results will be compared with a database so that pure and unmarked metal can be identified.
Why is this testing important? The aim is to ensure that a product made from metal has good resistance to normal use. For example, it is resistant to corrosion.
- Test Materials
Generally, a product will consist of several ingredients combined into one. Each of these materials can affect the overall quality and durability of the product. Apart from that, it is possible that the material must meet certain requirements according to applicable regulations.
By carrying out this laboratory test, the quality of the ingredients used in the product can be known with greater certainty. You can find out which ingredients reduce and increase the quality of a product.
- Regulatory Test
Whatever product you want to market, it is best to have legal regulations. Make sure the product has certification according to applicable laws and regulations. Apart from that, products must also meet safety and health standards.
Hardline or softline lab testing can ensure the product complies with these regulations. This can be a guarantee that the product being marketed will not be rejected or recalled once it is on the market.
Benefits of Laboratory Tests
Some people may still be hesitant about having laboratory testing done on their products. In fact, this test has a number of benefits, both for consumers and for the product owner himself. Here are some of the benefits you can get:
- Ensure Consumer Safety and Security
Carrying out laboratory tests can help ensure that the products being marketed are safe for consumers to use or consume. The reason is, this test can detect contaminants that are dangerous for consumers. For example, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other unsafe chemicals.
That way, the products being marketed are guaranteed to be safe and secure. Of course, this can increase the credibility of the product in the eyes of consumers. As a result, the product will be more trusted and become a choice for them.
- Ensure product quality
Not only ensuring products are safe for consumers, laboratory tests can also ensure product quality meets the desired standards. The reason is, this test can measure product quality in various parameters, starting from size, weight, nutrition, performance and other parameters.
The quality of the product has been tested, of course the product produced will be more classy. That way, it is possible that this product will be able to compete in the international class with other quality products.
- Increase Customer Satisfaction
As is well known, laboratory tests can help ensure product quality and safety. Of course, this can increase customer satisfaction. The reason is, they will prefer to use products that have been tested for quality and safety.
Products whose quality has been tested will not make consumers hesitate to use or consume them, and make repeat orders. Apart from that, products that have been tested for safety will make them feel safer when using them and not worry about undesirable things happening.
- Meet Regulatory Requirements
The government has established a number of regulations that regulate the quality and safety of a product. By carrying out lab testing, products to be marketed can be adjusted to meet applicable standards.
This testing can cover material quality, substance content, or even detect substances that are not permitted under government regulations. After going through various lab tests, the resulting product can be more in line with the provisions set by the government.
Tools for Laboratory Tests
There are several tools used in laboratory testing, starting from LC-MS, chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and many more. For complete information, see below:
LC-MS
LC-MC or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is a chemical analysis technique that combines physical separation techniques by utilizing molecular mass detection and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry.
The advantage of this technique is that it has very high measurement sensitivity and specificity. Apart from that, its capacity is greater so it can analyze many samples at one time.
Gas Chromatography
Gas chromatography is a technique for separating compounds based on different movement distributions so that compounds in solution can be separated. This distribution occurs between the stationary phase and the mobile phase. Gas compounds that are in the mobile phase will go through a partition called the stationary phase.
Liquid Chromatography
Liquid chromatography is a technique used to separate molecules that have been dissolved in solution. If the sample solution reacts in the stationary phase, the molecules in it will also react with the stationary phase.
However, the resulting reaction will be different because it is influenced by ion exchange, absorption capacity, partitioning, and size. This allows the components in the solution to separate and the difference can be seen from the duration of transit time for the components as they pass through the column.
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)
AAS is a laboratory test method which aims to calculate the quantity of metalloids and metallic elements based on the absorption capacity of radiation by free atoms in the gas phase.
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
The UV-Vis spectrophotometer is an analytical tool that is useful for measuring the absorbance power of a sample relative to wavelength. The working principle of this instrument is based on light, namely that atoms and molecules will interact with light.
Karl Fischer Titrator
This is a laboratory test technique used to detect the water content in a sample, be it a gas, solid or liquid sample. This technique refers to the titrimetric method of the Bunsen reaction which includes iodine, sulfur dioxide, and water solution.
Analytical Gases
Gas analysis is a test carried out to obtain certainty about the quality of gas fuel as an alternative that will be used as an energy source for industrial machines and equipment. The results can be used to increase credibility and serve as an evaluation for efficiency of production funds.
Chambers
The chamber is a tool that functions to encourage staining by the eluent in the thin layer chromatography process. This tool can condition samples at a certain temperature and humidity.
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
UTM is a machine that is used to test tensile strength, durability, and determine the structure of a material or material of a product. The way it works is by pulling the sample to the maximum limit so that you can see what the maximum voltage is.
Laboratory Test Criteria
A laboratory must meet the criteria for precision and accuracy. The goal is that the test results obtained are reliable or reliable. There are several factors that influence this, including:
Human Resources
In laboratory tests, the human resources needed consist of technicians, analysts, managers/coordinators and supervisors. Each human resource must meet the criteria for adequate education and work experience.
This is explained in ISO/IEC 17205:2017. In these regulations it is written that laboratories must meet the competency requirements for each existing position, starting from education, training, qualifications, technical knowledge, experience and skills.
Laboratory Equipment
Laboratory tests must be carried out with equipment that meets the criteria stated in ISO/IEC 17205:2017. It is stated that a laboratory must have planned methods of transporting, handling, using, storing and maintaining equipment.
The goal is to ensure the tools used function properly. This can prevent contamination or damage.
Any equipment that requires calibration measures or has a service life limit must be assigned a specific code. Some examples include ovens, furnaces, digital balances, and many more.
Laboratory Test Methods
A laboratory must have the latest and valid methods. The method to be used must be diversified first until it reaches performance standards according to requirements.
As a recommendation, laboratories can use methods published by national, international or regional standards. In addition, every method, documentation and work procedure must always be kept up to date. Also make sure it is easily accessible to all personnel.
Testing Materials
Laboratory test result data can be influenced by the testing materials used. Therefore, make sure to use the best quality chemicals and the procurement process is guaranteed.
Chemicals can be divided into several types, depending on the degree of purity and impurity content. These materials must be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Apart from that, storage and handling must comply with the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).
The Importance of Certification and Requirements for Obtaining It
From the explanation above, it can be seen that product certification is very important. This aims to maintain and improve the quality of the product. Apart from that, to ensure the product has competitiveness even on the international stage.
In Indonesia, the basis for certification used is SNI CERTIFICATION ISO/IEC 17025:20017. This standard reportedly follows international standards.
In order to be registered in ISO/IEC 17025, a laboratory must have two main parts of certification, namely technical requirements and management requirements. The explanation can be seen below:
Management Terms
This requirement will relate to the effectiveness and operation of implementing the management system in laboratory testing. The following are several conditions that must be completed:
- Quality System
- Organization
- Document control
- Test subcontracting
- Review tenders, requests and contracts
- Service for customers
- Purchase of supplies and services
- Complaint
- Control of work in testing
- Enhancement
- Corrective action
- Preventive measures
- Recording control
- Internal audit
- Revisiting management
Technical Requirements
The technical requirements for laboratory testing will be related to the competency of each staff, the tests and the methodology used. The conditions are as follows:
- Personnel
- General
- Equipment
- Sampling
- Test situations and validation methods
- Measurement traceability
- How to handle items to be tested and calibrated
- Quality assurance of laboratory test conclusions
- Results report
Meanwhile, the requirements for laboratory proficiency testing must meet quality control or quality checking requirements. Quality checking standards in the laboratory aim to control the validity of the test and calibration results that have been carried out.
Apart from that, participation in comparative tests or proficiency tests between laboratories is also required. This process can be used as reference material for whether you have received certification.
From the information above, it can be seen that laboratory tests can be used as the front line to ensure the quality of a product before it is marketed. Before the production process begins, it is recommended that the company obtain ISO/IEC 17205 certification and implement it.
This service can be obtained through MUTU International. There are various services available, ranging from testing, inspection, certification, to strategic partners.
Since 1997, the MUTU International Laboratory has received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the National Accreditation Committee (KAN).
The MUTU International Test Laboratory is the first test laboratory in Indonesia with accreditation number LP-001-IDN.
The International MUTU Test Laboratory carries out routine analysis by referring to reference methods from the Indonesian Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI), Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), British Standard-Europaischen Normen ( BS-EN), American Public Health Association (APHA), Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), International Standard Organization (ISO), Australia/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS), and other international methods.
Standard (AS/NZS), as well as other international methods.
The MUTU International Test Laboratory has 4 specialized laboratories, according to their testing fields:
- Forestry Products Laboratory
- General and Food Analysis Laboratory
- Environmental Laboratory
- Microbiology Laboratory
The MUTU International Test Laboratory is supported by professional staff tailored to testing needs. The equipment at the MUTU International Test Laboratory is also the best and newest in its class, including:
- Gas Chromatography
- Liquid Chromatography
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
- Karl Fischer Titrator
- Analytical Gases
- Small Chamber
- Large Chamber
- Universal Testing Machine
- Water, Air and Emission Sampling Equipment
- LC-MS MS
Sejak tahun 1997, Laboratorium MUTU International telah mendapatkan akreditasi ISO/IEC 17025 dari Komite Akreditasi Nasional (KAN).
Laboratorium Uji MUTU International menjadi laboratorium uji pertama di Indonesia dengan nomor akreditasi LP-001-IDN.
Laboratorium Uji MUTU International melakukan analisis rutin dengan mengacu pada metode acuan dari Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI), Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), British Standard-Europaischen Normen (BS-EN), American Public Health Association (APHA), Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), International Standard Organization (ISO), Australia/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS), serta metode internasional lainnya.
Laboratorium Uji MUTU International memiliki 4 laboratorium spesialisasi, sesuai dengan bidang pengujiannya:
- Laboratorium Produk Kehutanan
- Laboratorium Analisis Umum dan Pangan
- Laboratorium Lingkungan
- Laboratorium Mikrobiologi
Laboratorium Uji MUTU International didukung dengan tenaga profesional yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan pengujian. Alat-alat di Laboratorium Uji MUTU International juga merupakan yang terbaik dan terkini di kelasnya, diantaranya:
- Kromatografi Gas
- Kromatografi Cair
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
- Karl Fischer Titrator
- Gas Analisis
- Small Chamber
- Large Chamber
- Universal Testing Machine
- Peralatan Sampling Air, Udara dan Emisi
- LC-MS MS