Total organic carbon (TOC) testing services

Total organic carbon (TOC) testing is a critical analytical technique used to quantify organic contaminants in water and aqueous systems. At Applus+ Laboratories, we deliver TOC testing, TOC water testing, and TOC lab test services to measure trace‑level organic content across regulated and industrial environments. Our TOC testing laboratories conduct testing for medical device production, and industrial operations by providing reliable TOC test methods and validated TOC test procedures for process control and quality monitoring. 

What is total organic carbon (TOC) testing?

Total organic carbon (TOC) testing is the quantitative measurement of carbon bound in organic compounds present in a water or liquid sample. A TOC test provides a non‑specific but highly sensitive indicator of overall organic contamination without the need to identify individual chemical species. 

TOC testing of water is widely used to monitor system cleanliness, detect process deviations, and assess contamination trends. A TOC test in water is particularly relevant in regulated environments where organic residue control is critical, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device production. 

What is measured when calculating total organic carbon?

During a TOC lab test, the parameter measured is the concentration of carbon originating from organic molecules, typically expressed in mg/L or ppb. TOC is commonly determined using the relationship: 

TOC = Total Carbon (TC) – Inorganic Carbon (IC) 

Depending on the TOC test method, inorganic carbon may be removed prior to analysis or measured separately. The resulting TOC value represents the total organic load in the sample and serves as a key indicator of organic contamination. 

How do we measure total organic carbon?

At Applus+ Laboratories, TOC water testing is performed using validated instrumental techniques based on oxidative conversion of organic carbon to carbon dioxide (CO₂), followed by quantitative detection. 

Typical TOC test procedures include: 

• High‑temperature catalytic combustion oxidation 
• Non‑purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) analysis 

Generated CO₂ is measured using non‑dispersive infrared (NDIR) or conductivity‑based detection systems. When elevated TOC levels are detected, TOC testing is often complemented by targeted chemical identification using advanced techniques such as GC-MS Analysis Services to assess root‑cause investigations. 

TOC testing and analysis applications 

Total organic carbon testing is applied across multiple industries to monitor water quality, validate cleaning processes, and control contamination risks. 

Medical device cleaning validation

• Medical device Cleaning validation of manufacturing equipment 
• Detection of residues from active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients 

TOC testing is frequently integrated with chemical characterization strategies, including Extractables and Leachables Testing, to differentiate between organic residues originating from processes, materials, or equipment surfaces. 

Other applications

• Industrial process control and contamination investigations 
• Medical device manufacturing water systems 
• Laboratory reagent water qualification 
• Food and beverage process water monitoring 

Our TOC testing methods 

At Applus+ Laboratories, we perform TOC lab tests using state‑of‑the‑art analyzers operated under ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited quality systems (scope dependent on location). Our capabilities include: 

• TOC analysis under ppm levels 
• Method development and validation for complex matrices 
• Routine monitoring, deviation investigation, and trending 

Our TOC test methods are frequently integrated with complementary analytical services, including GC‑MS and extractables and leachables analysis, to provide a comprehensive understanding of organic contamination sources. 

Benefits of total organic carbon (TOC) testing

A structured TOC testing program delivers measurable technical and operational value: 

• Verify cleaning validation and process verification 
• Detects trace organic contamination with high sensitivity 
• Enables rapid assessment of water system performance 
• Provides a non‑specific, cost‑effective screening tool 
• Enables trending and early detection of system deviations 

Industry standards for TOC tests

Total organic carbon testing is referenced across multiple regulatory and industry standards applicable to medical device manufacturing, and environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical water systems and pharmaceutical water systems. At Applus+ Laboratories, TOC test procedures are aligned with applicable pharmacopeial and international standards to ensure data integrity and regulatory acceptance. 

Why choose Applus+ Laboratories for TOC testing services?

At Applus+ Laboratories, we act as a strategic analytical partner for TOC testing services, combining global laboratory infrastructure with deep technical expertise. 

Our differentiation includes: 

• A global network of advanced TOC testing laboratories 
• ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited testing environments (scope dependent on site) 
• Integration with GC‑MS analysis services and extractables and leachables testing 
• Expertise across medical device, and industrial applications 
• Consistent, defensible data packages enabling quality and regulatory objectives