About Us
FQLabs was established in Honolulu, Hawaii by C. Brewer & Co. at the advent of the sugar industry, mainly to meet the crop-logging needs of the sugar plantations. Originally, the lab was known as Brewer Analytical Laboratories. The laboratory expanded over the years into other testing areas and by the mid-1970's became the state's largest full service lab to meet the demands of Hawaii's growing analytical needs.
In 2002, Brewer sold the lab and it was relocated from its original Iwalei location to its present home at 3375 Koapaka Street.
Today, FQLabs offers comprehensive microbiological and chemical testing of food, drinking water, wastewater, sludge and soil. Examples of our food services include quality assurance microbiological and chemical testing, nutrition labeling analyses and consultation services for sanitation programs, QA/QC programs and food plant inspections. FQLabs also provides environmental services such as nutrient analyses and metals testing by inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry.
Personalized, quality services and quick turn-around time are characteristic of FQLabs. FQLabs uses only approved methodology and all analyses are accompanied by strict adherence to our Quality Assurance program.
Instrumentation
- Atomic Absorption, Perkin Elmer Model Analyst 400
- Auto Sampler, Astoria Pacific Model 311
- Auto Sampler, Varian Model SP3
- AutoAnalyzer, Astoria Pacific Model A2
- Block Digester, VELP Scientifica
- BOD - LDO Probe, Hach Model HQ20
- COD Reactor, Hach Model 45600
- Conductivity Meter, Oakton Model CON 6
- Distillation, Labconco Model RapidStill II
- Genetic Detection System, BioControl Model Assurance GDS
- ImmunoAnalyzer, BioMeieux Model VIDAS
- Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometer, Varian Model 820-MS
- Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Analyzer, Charles River Model EndoSafe-PTS
- Microwave Sample Preparation System, Anton Paar Model Multiwave 3000
- Oil & Grease Machine, Horizon Technology Model 3000XL
- pH Meter, Orion Model 410A
- Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay with Automated Detection, DuPont Model BAXSystem
- Quanti-Tray Sealer, Idexx Model 2X
- Spectrophotometer, Hach Model DR 2800
- Stomacher, Tekmar Company Model Lab Blender 400
- Turbidimeter, Hach Model 2100P
- Viscometer, Brookfield Model DV-I+
- Water Activity Probe, Rotronic Model HygroPalm
Certifications
- Hawaii Department of Health
- FQLabs is certified annually by the State of Hawaii Department of Health to test drinking water for microbiologicals by several methods
- FQLabs is approved by the US EPA Region IX for Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing - Chronic toxicity testing using Trypneustes gratilla (Hawaiin Collector Urchin) (2008)
- FQLabs personnel are trained to use BioControl Assurance Genetic Detection System (2007)
- FQLabs personnel have completed Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System courses (1999 and 2009)
- FQLabs staff has completed a Better Process Control School prescribed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of processed low acid canned foods (2009)
- FQLabs holds a permit to receive intra-island soils (2008)
- FQLabs staff has attended a seminar for the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate analysis by Charles River (2009)
- FQLabs staff is participating in the ELITE (Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation) Program (2009)
- FQLabs annually participates in DMRQA (Discharge Monitoring Report-Quality Assurance) studies
Professional Organizations
- American Chemical Society - Hawaii Section
- Hawaii Water Environment Association
- Institute of Food Technologists - Hawaii Section
Methods
FQLabs follows all procedures from the EPA, Standard Methods of Examination of Water and Wastewater, AOAC, Hach methods, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacterial Analysis Manual.