North West Labs uses the best equipment available to test all products brought to the lab. In the Milk Lab, testing for Somatic Cell Count and components is done using very advanced instruments. The SCC and BFAT/PRO machines used in our lab are made by Bentley Instruments and Foss Instruments.

Butterfat/Protein Testing: Our Butterfat/Protein machines are ideal for our laboratory's high volume of sampling. The individual lines can process up to 500 samples per hour. These "mid-infrared instruments" are built on a proven single-beam optical system, and offer the user with the utmost in reliable testing. They are comprised of the industry's most reliable homogenization system, and paired with a rugged optical system built from a list of the best standard components available.

Somatic Cell Testing: The Foss and Bentley Instruments provide a rapid and accurate measure for the SCC (somatic cell count) in dairy milk. These instruments utilize a laser based flow cytometry. This technology, since its release into dairy testing laboratories, has been the foremost authority in quick, accurate Somatic Cell testing. These instrument lines combine today's technology with computer control resulting in far less moving parts, which leads to fewer maintenance needs resulting in less down time and higher reliability. These flow cytometry instruments use ethidium bromide to stain the DNA in somatic cells. The laser based counting section uses the fluorescence characteristics of the dye to count the cells one by one.

Using advanced spectrophotometry and cell counting techniques, the results from these machines are unsurpassed.

Manure, Soil and Plant Tissue Testing: North West Labs' customers can now get even more done. Utilizing these newly offered tests, customers are now able to meet the reporting requirements for Nutrient Management Plans. All samples are handled according to University of Idaho and USDA-ARS protocol's to maintain sample integrity. Analysis conducted under NAPT-PAP-MAP Certifications.

Forage Analysis: Our feed lab consists of NIR technology for fast, accurate forage analysis. We also have a complete wet chemistry lab on site. We perform Ankom fiber extraction and standard Kjeldahl analysis via block heater. Major minerals as well as nitrate analysis are also available. All feed/forage analyses are conducted following NFTA (National Forage Testing Association) protocol. NWL is NFTA Certified.

What does all this mean for you? This means that not only is NWL quick and courteous when running your samples; the test results are also extremely accurate. 

North West Labs combines competitiveness and cost effectiveness to give you the best that a dairy service center can offer you. We tailor our services to meet the requirements of our clientele.