TESTS
Our laboratories and specialists are equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and extensive experience in Testing across various matrices. Here are some of the tests we perform:
Apparel and Industrial
Chemical and Toxicological Tests
We conduct a wide range of toxicological tests to detect the presence of potentially harmful substances in materials and products that enter people’s daily lives and are released into the environment. Our tests include:
- Heavy metals such as hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, etc.
- Phthalates, chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastic materials, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic compounds with potential carcinogenic effects.
- Allergenic and carcinogenic dyes.
- Aromatic amines derived from potentially harmful azo dyes, and we assess the pH to ensure it is not irritating or harmful to the skin.
- Specialized compounds: organotin compounds, perfluorocarbons (PFCs), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP/MCCP), nitrosamines, PVC monomer, chlorobenzenes, and chlorotoluenes, each with specific health and environmental risks.
- Preservatives.
- Formaldehyde.
Physical and Performance Tests
We perform a wide range of tests to evaluate the resistance and construction properties of products and the materials that make up the product itself. Specifically, at our Vigonza hub, we conduct footwear tests to verify the suitability of each shoe component (upper, lining, sole, insole, midsole, welt, heel). The main tests include:
- Resistance and Durability Tests: These tests are essential to ensure that products or their components maintain integrity, efficiency, and safety over time, even when subjected to continuous mechanical stress. These stresses replicate conditions and situations that may occur with daily footwear use. Among the various tests conducted are flexing, abrasion, rubbing, peeling, tensile, compression, and elongation tests, essential for evaluating footwear durability.
- Climate Adaptability Tests: These tests are designed to evaluate footwear performance and material reactions under specific environmental and climatic conditions.
- Water and Vapor Permeability Tests: These tests measure the ability of footwear to absorb and release water vapor, their impermeability, resistance to water ingress and absorption, and thermal resistance—critical factors for wearer comfort.
- Impact Resistance Tests: These focus on the ability of sports and safety footwear to withstand impacts and absorb the energy generated by impacts, ensuring protection and safety.
- Accelerated Aging Tests
Color Fastness Tests
We assess color stability over time, resistance, degradation, and transfer, ensuring that the original characteristics are maintained even after repeated use and environmental exposure. The tests we perform include:
- Color fastness to rubbing;
- Color fastness to sweat;
- Color fastness to water;
- Color fastness to abrasion;
- Exposure to light from different sources;
- Color bleeding;
- Migration of polymeric materials.
Flammability and Fire Resistance Tests
We evaluate the reaction to fire and the resistance of materials. Among the flammability properties we test are flame propagation, self-ignition, burn rate, smoke density, and combustibility.
Market Standard Compliance Tests
In addition to Compliance services, we perform test packages for access to international markets. To enter and compete effectively in a new market, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing product categories in the destination country. Adopting the best commercial and customs compliance strategies is crucial to simplifying import processes and avoiding legal obstacles or complications. It is particularly important for exporting goods to various countries to ensure that products meet the rigorous safety and quality standards required locally, to guarantee smooth market entry and promote a seamless transition in international business operations.
Certification Tests
With our test packages, we can guarantee our clients that their products comply with the standards of many international certifications and environmental sustainability. This compliance is crucial for companies aiming to access new global markets and build a reputation for reliability and ecological responsibility. Discover our services in our Insights section.
Elettro
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing
EMC testing of devices is mandatory in many countries. Our technicians are by your side to perform tests both in the laboratory, thanks to a 3m semi-anechoic chamber up to 18 GHz and related instrumentation to cover the regulatory requirements of various countries, and on-site at the customer’s location to test large devices and power systems. We support companies in obtaining the necessary approvals for products subject to the EMC Directive and meeting the requirements of different industrial sectors.
The main EMC tests include: shielding effectiveness, immunity to conducted disturbances, conducted emissions, immunity to electrostatic discharges, immunity to fast electrical transients/bursts, harmonic current emission, immunity to radiated fields, immunity to power frequency magnetic fields/oscillatory waves, electrical interference, radiated emissions, and EMF, voltage fluctuation flicker, surge immunity, and voltage dips/interruptions immunity.
Electrical Safety Testing
All our tests are conducted in compliance with national and international standards. Our laboratories perform daily electrical safety tests and analyses in accordance with harmonized standards that presume conformity with the Low Voltage Directive, as well as tests for issuing CB test reports, CB certificates, and the cMETus mark for North America.
Electrical safety tests include: technical evaluations of construction characteristics, document control, verification of protections against access to hazardous electrical and mechanical parts, quality and reliability of electrical insulation, verification of the ability to withstand stresses (mechanical, electrical, thermal) to which products may be subjected during operation, both under normal conditions and in case of negligent use or failure, electrical measurements to evaluate leakage currents, operating temperatures, ground circuit resistance, capacitor discharge, working voltages, Glow Wire test, Needle Flame test, dielectric strength, plastic softening.
CB Scheme IECEE
Under the responsibility of the NCB DEKRA certification BV, thanks to our adherence as a CBTL to the international CB IECEE scheme, we can test various product categories: household appliances (HOUS), lighting equipment (LITE), measuring, control, and laboratory electrical equipment (MEAS), audio-video equipment (TRON), information technology (OFF), and information and audio-video technology (ITAV), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), to obtain a CB Test Report and CB Certificate, useful for obtaining quality marks for access to global markets.
The CB scheme is understood as the international IECEE certification scheme for the trade of electrical equipment, mainly intended for use in homes, offices, laboratories, and healthcare facilities. Our laboratory has been a CBTL since 2013 with over 130 international standards. The laboratory is among the few in Italy to issue CB Test Reports for both electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
On-site Field Evaluation of electrical equipment in North America
Safety regulations in North America require the approval of electrical and electronic products. Certification is the most common form of approval; however, in many situations, On-site Field Evaluation can be the only practical means of approval.
On-site Field Evaluation is a process through which unapproved products can be evaluated on-site according to acceptable requirements by the local authority (AHJ). Depending on the jurisdiction’s regulations, the inspection location may vary and can be the installation, production, distribution, storage site, or any other location accepted by the local AHJ. Thanks to our international collaborations, we can offer on-site field evaluation services for North America.
Quality Marks
Analytical offers companies the possibility of obtaining the main international quality marks, such as:
- DEKRA, to manage the risk associated with marketing electrical products.
- ENEC 05 (European Norms Electrical Certification) for lighting tests, information and audio-video technology, transformers, household appliances, installation components, and equipment. It is recognized in all EU member countries and other countries adhering to the ENEC system, facilitating market access without additional national certifications.
- cMETus, indicating that a product complies with applicable safety standards for import and sale in the United States and Canada. Managed by MET Laboratories, now part of Eurofins Scientific, this mark is accepted by local and national authorities in North America as proof of safety compliance.
Environmental Tests
Products are often exposed to environmental and mechanical stresses: heat, cold, humidity, wind, weather; extreme environmental conditions can affect the performance of products and equipment. Our laboratories can verify the suitability of components, equipment, and products for use. The tests we perform include:
- Climatic Tests: The laboratory has chambers for conducting climatic tests, such as dry heat, humid heat, cold, thermal shock, in accordance with major European and international standards: IEC/EN 60068 series, EN 50155, Mil-Std 810, special specifications provided by the customer. Instrumentation and technical characteristics: Climatic chambers with volumes up to 1200l with a temperature range of -70°C to +180°C and relative humidity control up to 95%.
- Vibration and Shock Tests: Product qualification, mechanical construction evaluation with resonance and fatigue work search, through vibration tests (sinusoidal, random, sine-on-random) and shocks, in accordance with major European and international standards: IEC/EN 60068 series, EN 50155, IEC/EN 61373, Mil-Std 810, ISTA standards, ASTM standards, special specifications provided by the customer. Instrumentation and technical characteristics: Vibrating systems up to 22 kN, loads up to 300 kg, slip table
- Flammability Tests: Glow Wire test, Needle Flame test, plastic softening.
- IP Degree Verification: The laboratory can perform tests to verify the IP degree of enclosures according to the reference standard IEC/EN 60529 (water, dust, and solid body ingress protection). The laboratory has a dust chamber and water tightness devices capable of testing large enclosures.
- IK Degree Evaluation: The laboratory can perform tests to verify the IK degree according to IEC/EN 60068-2-75 and IEC/EN 62262 standards.
- Salt Spray: The laboratory can conduct salt spray tests according to IEC/EN 60068-2-11, UNI EN ISO 9227 standards. This test provides manufacturers with important information on material behavior and can be used to compare the behavior of materials, coatings, and surface treatments based on the operational environment, identify discontinuities or porosity in a coating, perform quality checks (e.g., supplier qualification), diagnose corrosion causes and address them.
- Reliability Parameter Calculation, Failure and Criticality Effects Analysis, Maintainability Analysis: In partnership with the Department of Information Engineering of the University of Florence, reliability prediction techniques using ‘Databases’ (MIL217, Telcordia, 217plus, etc.) play an important role in designing any system as they allow preventive evaluations of mean time between failures (MTBF) for the entire apparatus, identifying critical system elements, and optimizing diagnostics.
- Light and UV Resistance Tests: UV exposure tests on plastics, paints, and other materials, according to ISO 4892-3, ISO 16474-3, ASTM D1148 standards, with UVA 340 nm lamps.
- SO2 Tests: Corrosive atmosphere exposure tests (Sulfur Dioxide) for metal parts and circuits according to ISO 22479, chamber volume 300 L.
- Release and Compliance Analysis on RoHS and REACH Packages, Waste Classification and WEEE Analysis
- Accelerated Life Test Protocols
Photometric and Photobiological Tests
Thanks to our partners, we perform tests according to IEC/EN 62471 (Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems) and IEC/TR 62778 standards. These tests also allow for obtaining lighting equipment characteristics such as photometry – with file release in IES and EULUMDAT format, in accordance with EN 13032-1 standard. The tests include: photometric surveys, photobiological risk assessment, and performance parameters such as luminous flux, luminous efficiency, chromatic coordinates, and color temperature.
Functional Safety (IEC 61508)
Safety analysis and devices implementing it, called “Safety Related System-SRS” or “Safety Instrumented System-SIS”, are key factors in designing any system to minimize unacceptable risks and protect people, the environment, and the system itself from potential damage sources. Through a specific technique called FMEDA (Failure Modes Effects and Diagnostic Analysis), it is possible to evaluate safety parameters and optimize SIS design.
The effectiveness of an SRS/SIS system is evaluated by the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) parameter framed by the international IEC 61508 standard in terms of Hardware safety integrity (referring to random hardware failures) and systematic safety integrity (referring to systematic failures).
Risk Analysis
Analyzing risks related to a complex system in the early design stages can identify system parts that, under certain operational conditions, require intervention to resolve one or more non-compliance parameters, particularly critical components identified in reliability prediction.
It can be conducted inductively (e.g., FMEA/FMECA technique, failure modes and effects/criticality analysis) or deductively (e.g., FTA methodology, fault tree analysis) through table construction (FMEA/FMECA) or graphs (FTA). These analyses serve to analyze the system’s functional structure, diagnostic capability, determine possible maintenance and repair strategies, analyze failure modes and causes with related effects to reduce risks in terms of probability and consequence magnitude.
Energy Efficiency Evaluation and Ecodesign
Directive 2009/125/EC, known as Ecodesign, establishes criteria for improving product energy efficiency. This regulation includes both energy-consuming devices (such as televisions and washing machines) and those influencing energy consumption (such as windows and faucets).
At Analytical, we offer energy efficiency evaluation and labeling services in accordance with the Ecodesign directive. We evaluate various products, including household appliances, lighting equipment, and electric motors, to ensure they meet European energy efficiency standards, promoting transparency and optimizing environmental performance in the market.
Reliability Predictions
Reliability prediction techniques using ‘Databases’ (MIL217, Telcordia, 217plus, etc.) play an important role in designing any system as they allow preventive evaluations of mean time between failures (MTBF) for the entire apparatus, identifying critical system elements, and optimizing diagnostics. It is one of the parameters required by many railway specifications.
It can be considered a technique for establishing system parts that, under certain operational conditions, have higher failure rates than others and require preventive intervention.
The reliability, and thus availability, of a system depends on the reliability and availability performance of its elements and how they are interconnected. The study of subsystem interrelationships is known as combinatorial reliability analysis and is graphically represented by a Reliability Block Diagram (RBD).
Radio Tests
Radio tests are fundamental to ensuring effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum. The main objective is to verify that a transmitter, if properly installed, emits radio waves without causing harmful interference. Similarly, it is important that a receiver performs adequately to function correctly and is protected from harmful interference.
We use various standards to ensure compliance with the RED Directive’s requirement 3.2, including:
- ETSI EN 300 328
- ETSI EN 300 330
- ETSI EN 300 220
- ETSI EN 300 440
- ETSI EN 300 674-1
These standards ensure that radio devices operate safely and efficiently, contributing to optimal radio spectrum management.
Food
Nutritional Content Analysis and Nutritional Labeling
At Analytical, we conduct detailed analysis of the nutritional profile of foods, including protein content, fats, carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, energy value, fatty acid profile, sodium (salt) content, vitamins, and minerals. These analyses are directly related to the nutritional information on product labels as established by Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers.
Detection of Additives and Preservatives
Additives are substances intentionally added to foods during the production cycle to achieve objectives such as extending shelf life with antimicrobials and antioxidants, enhancing nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and improving/stabilizing sensory value with pH, aroma, color, flavor, and texture using pigments, flavors, flavor enhancers, and emulsifiers. In our laboratories, we verify the limits and compliance with regulations regarding the use of additives and preservatives used in the food industry.
Verification of Organic Acid Levels
The determination of organic acids such as citric acid, lactic acid, or acetic acid is particularly important in the production of wine, beer, and other beverages. Some acids can spoil products, while others are used as additives or important indicators of product quality. Among the acids we identify are malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid, which influence flavor and shelf life.
Pesticide Residues
Pesticide residues in food products pose significant risks to human health and the environment. To ensure food safety, it is essential to conduct accurate tests to detect and monitor pesticide residues, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides. These tests help identify contaminated products, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and protect consumer health. We offer a comprehensive analysis program to detect pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods:
- Extended multi-residue analysis (for 500 active substances) and determination of individual active ingredients;
- Multi-parameter determinations;
- Anionic and cationic pesticides;
- Dedicated analytical profiles for fruits, vegetables, organic and zero-residue production, and animal feed;
- Methods compliant with EN 15662:2018, QuEChERS procedure with and without hydrolysis.
Inorganic Contaminants
Inorganic contaminants, such as heavy metals and non-organic chemical compounds, can be present in water, air, soil, and the food chain. They originate from industrial and urban discharges, industries, and excessive and improper disposal of fertilizers and pesticides. Given the high likelihood of inorganic contaminants coming into contact with fruits and vegetables, testing is crucial to ensure their safety. Analyses aim to detect:
- Heavy metals: cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, etc.;
- Inorganic arsenic;
- Nitrites and nitrates.
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) and PFCs
Perfluorinated compounds (PFAS, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and PFCs (Perfluorocarbon Compounds) are a class of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. These substances are found in many everyday items, such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. Testing for the presence of PFAS and PFCs in food is important due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, where they can accumulate over time and pose serious health risks.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
POPs are toxic chemicals that resist environmental degradation and accumulate in the environment, animals, and humans. They are produced by industrial processes, pesticide use, and released from certain wastes. Due to their persistence, POPs can travel long distances in the environment and be found in regions where they were never produced or used. Detecting the presence of these substances is crucial to avoid health risks and environmental spread.
Microplastics
In collaboration with the University of Florence, we can analyze various matrices using advanced micro FTIR instrumentation, performing qualitative and quantitative recognition of plastics.
Oil Quality Analysis
The quality and freshness of oil depend on many factors, including composition and acidity content, peroxides, diglycerides, and pyropheophytins. Spectrophotometry also provides important quality indicators.
Oil Purity Analysis
To determine the purity of oil, it is important to evaluate the composition of fatty acids, stigmastadienes, and sterols.
Oil Contaminant Analysis
We monitor chemical compounds that may be present in oil and pose health risks. Our analysis focuses on MOSH, pesticides, 3-MCPD, and glycidol.
Organic Products and GMOs
We verify compliance with organic product requirements and the absence of genetically modified organisms through chemical residue analysis. We are recognized by the Ministry of Health for the control of residues and pesticides in organic foods.
Metal Analysis
We support the agri-food industry in determining metals that are normally present, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, as well as heavy metals as contaminants using ICP-MS and ICP-OES analytical methods.
Acrylamide
Baking is a processing phase for bakery products that involves the use of high temperatures necessary to obtain the finished product and give it the desired organoleptic and texture properties. High temperatures cause chemical reactions involving sugars and amino acids, known as Maillard Reactions, which lead to the formation of acrylamide, a substance considered carcinogenic according to studies conducted by EFSA.
Our Accreditations.
We are an accredited testing laboratory according to the UNI CEI ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Learn about all of our tests to ensure the quality of the tests and validity of the results expressed by controls:
Our Accreditations.
We are an accredited testing laboratory according to the UNI CEI ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Learn about all of our tests to ensure the quality of the tests and validity of the results expressed by controls:
