Microchem helps companies innovate and succeed with testing.

Microchem Laboratory specializes in the testing of disinfectants, sanitizers, antimicrobial devices, medical devices, personal care products, and dietary supplements. It also supports companies with facility process validations and environmental monitoring for critical environments.

History of Microchem Laboratory

Microchem Laboratory is located in the greater Austin, Texas area. It is owned and operated by microbiologist Dr. Benjamin Tanner. The core of the company was founded by Dr. Tanner as Antimicrobial Test Laboratories in 2006. Antimicrobial Test Laboratories was later combined with a niche cosmetic testing lab and Microchem Laboratory, founded in 1988 by Dr. Norman Miner. The combined labs have operated under one roof as Microchem Laboratory since 2016. Microchem Laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and offers testing in compliance with current Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations as stipulated by EPA and FDA for projects, and in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as applicable for medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Clients are always welcome to tour the lab, observe studies, and audit the lab’s quality systems.

The lab is staffed by a capable, friendly group of scientists, mostly microbiologists. We understand what our clients need: Fairly priced tests, conducted precisely and reported quickly.

Main Testing Services:

  • Disinfectant and high-level disinfectant testing
  • Sanitizer testing
  • Antimicrobial device testing
  • Cosmetic and personal care product testing
  • Dietary supplement testing
  • Medical device testing
  • Antimicrobial surface and fabric testing
  • Fungal resistance testing
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Microbial isolation and identification
  • Materials compatibility testing

What Sets Us Apart

1) Microchem’s unique personnel structure enables seamless interaction between our clients and the Analysts conducting their studies. The result is testing that feels like a natural extension of your own company.

2) Microchem is one of the only founder-operated, microbiologist-operated commercial testing labs of any appreciable size remaining. Most large labs in the USA are now operated by giant corporations or private equity firms with a near-term profit focus. Microchem’s focus is growth and harmony, not maximization of profits.

3) Microchem has a culture of honesty and integrity. If problems arise with a test we notify you and work with you as a partner, whether the issue is with our testing or the product.

4) Microchem is peerless when it comes to large, complex studies and delivering R&D insights that move the needle. We commonly surprise companies with our interest in designing more cost-effective studies and our desire to work as a partner through difficult product-related challenges.

5) Consultation is free. We’re experts in our domain and always glad to help, even if that means testing might not come for months or years. If you have a project in mind, simply contact us to get in touch with our technical staff and experience Microchem for yourself.

OUR HISTORY

1988

Dr. Norman Miner founds Microchem Laboratory near Dallas, Texas.

1999

Dr. Miner discovers and refines the formulation that would later become known as Aldahol, a highly effective cold-sterilant and high-level disinfectant for medical devices (U.S. Patent 5,863,547).

2006

Dr. Benjamin Tanner founds Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC in Pleasanton, California with the goal of improving contract antimicrobial testing by reducing barriers between clients and their tests.

2014

Dr. Benjamin Tanner, founder of Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, acquires most assets of Microchem Laboratory Inc., begins operation as Microchem Laboratory, LLC.

2015

Microchem Laboratory moves to a larger, custom-built testing facility near Austin, Texas in a suburb called Round Rock.

2016

In 2016 Microchem Laboratory joins forces with Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, founded by Dr. Tanner in 2006 and Cosmetic Test Labs, founded by Dr. Tanner in 2012. The combined labs operate under the Microchem Laboratory name, offering a broad array of well-developed testing services.

2020

Microchem grows to have more than 50 employees, mostly laboratory staff.

2023

Microchem and its staff celebrate the grand opening a new 46,110 sq ft facility.