As the sole authorised distributor of Merck Science & Lab Solutions in New Zealand, Lab Supply works together with Merck to deliver world-leading products, expertise, and support to the local science sector.
To further strengthen our ability to support laboratories and manufacturers across New Zealand, Regional Sales Manager Franz Lim travelled to Singapore to attend exclusive training at Merck’s Environmental Monitoring (EM) School, held at the cutting-edge M Lab™ Collaboration Centre.
Franz returns with hands on experience and equipped to deliver practical insights, technical expertise, and tailored recommendations to our customers across New Zealand.
Why Environmental Monitoring Matters
Environmental Monitoring is a critical control measure in aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring that cleanroom environments are maintained in a "state of control." It involves tracking airborne particles, microbial contamination, surface cleanliness, and personnel hygiene to meet the strictest international regulations.
Cleanroom Contamination: Understanding the Risks
The primary sources of contamination in cleanrooms are:
- Personnel (≈70%) – the largest contributor via skin particles and microbiota.
- Water, air, and surfaces – each contributing approximately 10%.
The training highlighted best practices to mitigate these risks, including strict gowning protocols, behavioural training, and post-illness stand-down periods for staff.
Tools, Technology, and Regulatory Excellence
Franz and the other participants took a deep dive into Merck’s full portfolio of environmental monitoring tools, including:
- MAS-100® VF, a reliable, portable, microbial air sampler used extensively in Pharmaceutical and Personal care industries as well as Food, Beverage and Environmental applications.
- ICR settle plates, validated for up to five hours of exposure without compromising microbial recovery.
- MAS-100 Atmos, a cutting-edge sampler for compressed gases that protects microbial viability during pressurised sampling.
- ICR swabs and neutralising culture media, essential for surface and personnel monitoring.
From Sampling to Program Design
A significant portion of the training covered how to build and implement robust EM programs:
- Defining sampling plans based on risk assessments.
- Choosing validated equipment and culture media.
- Establishing alert and action levels.
- Ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with global standards.
This in-depth training ensures that Lab Supply can offer not just products, but the expertise and technical knowledge to help customers design, implement, and optimise their environmental monitoring programs with confidence. With a deeper understanding of both the tools and regulatory expectations, we’re better positioned than ever to support your success.
Partnering for Quality in Cleanroom Environments
At Lab Supply, we’re proud to support New Zealand’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries with world-leading Merck products and technical expertise. Merck’s Environmental Monitoring School showcases the depth of knowledge and innovation available to our customers, and we’re here to help you apply it.
If you’re looking to enhance your cleanroom monitoring program, explore our range of Bio-Monitoring solutions or contact our team for support.
Celebrating 15 Years Behind New Zealand Science
Since 2010, Lab Supply has proudly stood behind New Zealand science. We support research, innovation, and industry with trusted products, fast delivery and in-house service, all backed by a friendly, knowledgeable team. As we celebrate 15 years, we remain dedicated to helping scientists, educators, and manufacturers across Aotearoa achieve their goals through world-class laboratory solutions.