Webinar: Implementation of ISO/TS 16099 for PCR-based methods in microbiological laboratories
Testing for microorganisms in water is an essential step for water quality to determine if there are any organisms or pathogens present that are likely to cause harm. Methods based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are increasingly being used in the water sector and provide the main advantage of delivering results in a matter of hours rather than days. To obtain reliable results, it is essential to have well-defined agreements on the validation process, along with technical requirements that shall be met while applying PCR in microbiological laboratories. Although PCR is a highly sensitive technique, a range of factors can impact its accuracy. ISO published a Technical Specification (TS), developed by international experts, which contributes to consistent reliability and safety in detecting pathogens, enhancing overall water quality monitoring worldwide.
This webinar will provide an overview of the essential points in ISO/TS 16099:2025 ‘Water quality — Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection and quantification of microorganisms and viruses — General requirements, quality assurance, and validation’. ISO/TS 16099 is designed to help water testing organizations, competent authorities, and others to implement PCR-based methods in their laboratories. The aim of this webinar is to enlarge confidence in the interpretation of the standard and thereby increase a consistent application in microbiological laboratories.
ISO/TS 16099 explains which precautions should be taken to obtain reliable results, and it provides clear guidelines on using PCR-based methods for the detection and quantification of waterborne microorganisms and viruses. This standard can be applied to different types of water: for example, drinking water, process water, or wastewater. ISO/TS 16099 specifies the technical requirements and performance characteristics for the detection of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) sequences of microorganisms. In addition, it includes guidelines for validation and topics related to quality assurance (including on-site PCR systems).