Government Analyst’s Laboratory

Welcome to the Isle of Man Government Laboratory's website. The laboratory is also known as the Government Analyst’s Laboratory, reflecting the functions of that key office. Here you will find details of the Laboratory and its range of services, and copies of some of the reports that have been produced following a range of scientific investigations. 

The Isle of Man Government maintains its own Government Laboratory to provide analytical support to its various departments and functions. The Laboratory also serves local authorities, businesses and the wider community.

We are situated in the old Noble's Hospital site at the end of Ballakermeen Road in Douglas.

Our normal reception opening hours are 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and except where otherwise agreed in advance samples can only be received during these hours.

Please note, however, that there are additional limitations on the times or days when samples can be submitted for certain types of analysis, while other commitments might prevent the necessary attention being available on demand for your requirements, therefore prior contact is strongly advised.

For further information on the work of the Laboratory, and guidance regarding the submission of samples, visit our Help us help you page.

The expertise of the Laboratory lies chiefly in the disciplines of analytical chemistry, microscopy, microbiology, radiochemistry and freshwater biology together with a knowledge of the law pertaining to such diverse areas as food safety, consumer protection and the environment. The Laboratory's services are wide-ranging, including:

• Agricultural materials 
• Bathing water quality 
• Chemical problems
• Consumer product safety 
• Drinking water quality 
• Food safety and quality 
• Fuel testing 
• Gas and leachate from landfill 
• Hazardous substances 
• Marine algae/nutrient monitoring
• Radiation monitoring
• River water quality
• Scientific advice to Government

Through its activities supporting the work of various parts of Government, key agencies, businesses and even the general public the Laboratory plays a pivotal role in the well-being of the Island, as shown in this diagram below.

The effectiveness and validity of the Laboratory’s work depends upon impartiality and absence of conflict of interest, and on public perception of these. For this reason, and to allow the Government Analyst to act without fear or favour in all circumstances, the Laboratory operates as a separate unit able to operate independently, while attached administratively to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The Laboratory has a core ethos of quality, which is reinforced by third party accreditation and participation in international proficiency proving schemes, and is underpinned by confidentiality, integrity and neutrality. This enables us to focus on the pursuit of scientific truth and balanced scientific assessment of data, enabling the best information and advice to be made available to support the functions of Government and the Island as a whole.