In the cannabis industry, a single lab error can mean the difference between a product on the shelf and a full-scale recall. With recent events highlighting the consequences of inaccurate testing, it’s more important than ever for businesses to work with a lab that follows validated methods, stays current with vendor updates, and has a quality department dedicated to getting it right every time. At OKCTL, protecting our clients from avoidable risk isn’t just part of our job—it’s our mission.
1. Why Total Yeast & Mold Testing Matters
Total Yeast and Mold (TYM) testing is a regulatory requirement in Oklahoma for dried cannabis flower and certain cannabis products. These tests measure colony-forming units (CFUs) to ensure microbial levels are within safe limits for consumers.
- False Pass: A contaminated product reaches consumers, risking public health and triggering a recall.
- False Fail: A perfectly safe product is destroyed or remediated unnecessarily, costing your business time and money.
Accurate results matter—not just for compliance, but for your reputation.
2. Staying Current with Vendor SOPs
Methods evolve as new data emerges. For example, the 3M™ Rapid Yeast and Mold Plates method was originally validated to be read at 48 hours for dried cannabis flower. Updated validation now requires plates to be read at 60–72 hours to ensure accuracy (source).
At OKCTL, we immediately implement vendor SOP changes to keep your testing in full compliance. Unfortunately, some labs still read plates at 48 hours—potentially reporting inaccurate results that could lead to compliance issues down the road.
3. The Dilution Factor: Getting the Math Right
Every TYM test starts with a homogenized sample and serial dilutions to achieve a countable plate.
- Even a small math error in dilution calculations can drastically alter results.
- Our analysts follow documented calculation procedures in strict accordance with the method to eliminate guesswork.
- All calculations are recorded and reviewed during our quality review process before results are released, ensuring accuracy and defensibility if audited.
4. Beyond the Plate: Environmental Controls
Yeast and mold can come from many sources—including the lab itself. We conduct regular environmental monitoring, use positive and negative controls in testing, and maintain strict contamination control procedures. If your lab isn’t monitoring its own workspace, it’s increasing your risk.
5. Quality Review Before Every Release
Before any Certificate of Analysis (COA) leaves our lab, it goes through our Quality Department for a full compliance and accuracy review. This ensures:
- Method adherence
- Correct calculations
- Proper documentation for regulatory audits
6. Your Partner in Compliance
We believe in transparent communication. If there’s a regulatory or method change that affects you, you’ll hear it from us first. Our goal is to be more than a lab—we’re your compliance partner.