Microbial Contamination Investigation & Source Tracking

MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION CONTROL STRATEGY

Investigation is a key part of
your contamination control strategy.

Understanding the microorganisms involved, their potential sources and how they spread provides a basis for targeted control measures. Investigation connects site observations and laboratory findings with corrective actions and ongoing contamination control.

Understand the contamination

Bring together microbial identification, monitoring history and on-site findings to assess the issue in its facility and process context.

Guide targeted corrective actions

Use the findings to inform improvements to cleaning and decontamination, equipment practices, personnel activities and relevant workflows.

Support continued control

Use follow-up observations and monitoring trends to review the response, refine control measures and help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Discuss Your Contamination Control Needs →

When investigation helps

When the findings raise
more questions than answers.

Recurring contamination

Similar observations return after earlier actions.

An unclear source

Findings are available, but their origin or significance remains uncertain.

Unexpected observations

A monitoring finding requires further assessment in its actual setting.

Changes at the facility

Recent changes to rooms, equipment, or workflows need to be considered alongside the observations.

On-site sampling by the VanTsteri team

ON-SITE INVESTIGATION

On-Site Investigation
& Sampling

We plan targeted sampling around the contamination history, site conditions and operating practices at your facility.

Site samples and observation records are considered alongside laboratory analysis to help investigate potential contamination sources and transmission routes.

Review the site contextConsider the affected areas, previous findings and relevant personnel, material and equipment flows.
Plan focused samplingDefine sampling locations and the information needed to address the investigation questions.
Connect fieldwork with analysisBring sample information and site observations together for laboratory review and interpretation.

Discuss an On-Site Investigation →

Inside VanTsteri

Our microbiology laboratory.

VanTsteri's microbiology laboratory is part of the working environment behind our contamination-investigation services. We connect laboratory observations with the context of the customer's facility and the questions the project needs to answer.

Two staff members working at microscopy and laboratory cabinet stations in VanTsteri's microbiology laboratory — VanTsteri microbiology laboratory

Look beyond an isolated finding.

A laboratory observation is one part of an investigation. Its significance depends on where and when it was recorded, the conditions at the site, and the information available from earlier monitoring or investigation work.

We bring these elements into the project discussion to help distinguish documented findings from possible explanations and identify questions that still need further assessment.

Photographed at VanTsteri's microbiology laboratory.

Connect observations to site context

The initial review brings together the observation timeline, relevant facility or process information, and previous actions. Recent changes and recurring patterns are considered without automatically treating them as proof of a source.

Define the laboratory contribution

Laboratory work, available records, and any external testing collaboration are discussed against the investigation questions. The required scope, responsibilities, and reporting arrangements are agreed for each project.

Turn evidence into next steps

The investigation summary should explain what the evidence supports, what remains uncertain, and which follow-up actions merit discussion. These findings can inform subsequent contamination-control planning and on-site services.

Specific testing capabilities and report scope are confirmed for the project. These laboratory photographs do not represent results from a particular customer investigation.

Investigation scope

Bring the findings
and their context together.

Background & Records

Review the reported issue, observation timeline, previous actions, and available records.

Site & Process Context

Consider the facility environment, relevant microbial characteristics, equipment, and operating changes.

Evidence & Recommendations

Assess potential explanations, identify unresolved questions, and define useful next steps within the agreed scope.

Site investigation and testing collaboration are defined for the project, including responsibilities and available specialist support.

Contamination challenges

Find a starting point
for your concern.

These topics help frame the initial discussion. Findings, possible sources, and required follow-up are assessed for the specific project.

Mycoplasma

Cell-culture-related contamination

Clarify the affected environment or equipment and the investigation required.

Mold

Outbreaks or recurring findings

Discuss the history of the issue and how investigation can support the response.

Salmonella

Pet food production concerns

Specify whether your concern involves the facility, equipment, or product.

Bacteriophage

Production-related contamination

Describe the actual industry, affected stage, and support needed.

OTHER MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION

Other microorganisms or unidentified findings

Discuss other bacteria, yeasts, bacterial spores or unidentified contamination, together with the available laboratory findings and site observations.

What you receive

Findings with a clear
basis and defined limits.

Documented Findings

Observations and referenced information that support the investigation summary.

Assessment & Open Questions

Potential sources, the evidence behind each assessment, and questions still requiring further work.

Recommended Next Steps

Practical recommendations for subsequent assessment or control measures, within the agreed scope.

Confirmed findings, potential explanations, and untested hypotheses remain clearly distinguished.

Related project experience

Explore experience
relevant to your concern.

Browse related field references and discuss the investigation experience relevant to your application.

Mycoplasma-Related Cases →

Mold-Related Cases →

Salmonella-Related Cases →

Bacteriophage-Related Cases →

These links lead to available field references. Decontamination photographs do not by themselves establish investigation findings or confirmed contamination sources.

From investigation to action

Connect the findings
to a service plan.

Investigation findings can inform the proposed treatment scope, equipment selection, and on-site service requirements.

Explore On-Site Treatment Services →

Independent investigation

An investigation can be discussed as a separate engagement.

Related disinfection support

Where needed, discuss the next service scope based on the evidence available.

Explore KINO Equipment →

People & responsibilities

Define who contributes what.

VanTsteri

Agree on investigation support, technical coordination, and deliverables.

Your Site Team

Provide relevant records, site context, access coordination, and review requirements.

Testing Collaboration

Where applicable, define the testing provider, work scope, reporting, and review responsibilities.

Prepare for the discussion

Start with the information you have.

Observation Timeline

Dates, locations, findings, and prior actions, linked to existing records.

Available Evidence

Monitoring results and previous investigation summaries available for review.

Site Context

Relevant drawings, recent changes, and the contacts responsible for project review.

Detailed project documents can be shared after the initial contact and agreement on the exchange arrangements.

Common questions

Before commissioning an investigation.

Does a recurring finding identify the cause?

No. A pattern should be recorded without treating it as a confirmed source. Its relationship to possible explanations requires investigation.

Can you guarantee a single source will be found?

An investigation may identify supported sources, possible contributors, or remaining uncertainties. A unique cause is not guaranteed.

Can the inquiry cover a cell-preparation area?

Describe the affected environment and observations. Any work involving cells, cultures, or products requires a separate and explicit scope.

Is an on-site visit always required?

The next steps depend on the available information and agreed scope. The initial discussion helps identify what further assessment is needed.

Can investigation be commissioned separately?

Yes. Investigation can be discussed independently of equipment procurement or on-site disinfection services.

Discuss your requirements

Tell us about
your contamination concern.

Start with the facility type, location, and a brief description of the issue. Detailed project information can be discussed with the team afterwards.

Investigation & Source Tracking — describe your contamination concern.

Submit this form to send us your enquiry. You can also contact us at inquiry@vantsteri.com. Please do not include confidential or sensitive information.

INTERNATIONAL PROJECT SUPPORT

Discuss the support your project needs.

VanTsteri supports international projects through shipment of remotely operated decontamination robots and remote technical support. On-site engineering support can be arranged according to project scope and commercial terms. Availability is assessed case by case, including shipping and customs, site readiness, connectivity and safe operating requirements.

Planning considers facility drawings, available microbial findings and site conditions. Equipment operation requires suitable site readiness, local coordination, connectivity and safe operating arrangements.