LuminUltra and J&L Labs Partner to Expand Oilfield Molecular Testing in the Permian

LuminUltra and J&L Laboratories today announced a strategic partnership to expand access to advanced microbial testing for oil and gas stakeholders across the Permian Basin. As part of the collaboration, J&L will now offer LuminUltra’s GeneCount® qPCR testing services at its Midland, Texas-based facility.

In today’s high-stakes oilfield environment, microbial threats like corrosion, souring and biofouling can quietly erode performance and reliability. Action starts with clarity, and this partnership expands access to powerful insights to even more teams who can leverage them to optimize their operations.

A Partnership Built on Proven Expertise

LuminUltra has been supporting microbial management in the oil & gas industry for more than 30 years – from extraction to production to distribution. Beginning with the widespread adoption of its 2nd Generation ATP® test – a fast, field-friendly solution used to accurately quantify total microbial load in in just 5 minutes- to its GeneCount® solutions which form the backbone of the offerings at J&L and provide deeper insight into specific microbes of concern.

J&L Laboratories has earned a strong reputation across the Permian Basin for its high-quality, independent lab services and deep understanding of the region’s operational challenges. The team at J&L offers field sampling, analytical expertise, and long-standing relationships with producers and service companies alike. By combining J&L’s local presence with LuminUltra’s scientific innovation, this partnership offers both credibility and capability.

“We’re thrilled to partner with LuminUltra to bring world-class molecular testing to more of the Permian market,” said Sam Pruett, President of J&L Laboratories. “Our lab was built to serve the needs of oilfield customers. By combining our basin expertise with LuminUltra’s trusted technology, we’re giving even more operators the insights they need to stay in control.”

GeneCount® Solutions: Purpose-Built for Oil & Gas

The GeneCount® suite of assays and solutions was intentionally built for oilfield applications – with targets and workflows optimized for the complex realities of industrial samples.

Developed by experts who understand field conditions and microbial risk, GeneCount® delivers:

  • Specificity: The ability to target specific microbes of concern including sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and MIC-causing methanogens as well as novel biomarkers micH and micC. GeneCount® assays were developed by industry experts to target the most aggressive forms of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) found in the oil and gas industry.
  • Actionable insight: GeneCount®qPCR testing results are used across industry to directly inform decisions on asset management, and drive biocide application.
  • A complementary tool: When paired with ATP, you get a complete microbial toolkit, including the ability to assess both microbial load as well as identify and monitor microbial community composition over time.
  • Accuracy: GeneCount® preservation kits are easy to use and retain your sample integrity, ensuring your analysis is a perfect snapshot in time.
  • Clarity: Results are interpreted into actionable insights and supported with expertise from both LuminUltra and J&L.

“Our GeneCount® solutions were developed in close consultation with the oil and gas industry – they reflect the real-world challenges operators face in the field,” said Marc Demeter, Director of Market Development, Oil & Gas at LuminUltra. “Our work with J&L allows us to expand that impact, bringing these purpose-built tools to a wider market that’s looking to stay ahead of microbial threats.”

This partnership is part of LuminUltra’s broader commitment to regionalized support and market-specific innovation across the energy sector.

“This is another meaningful step forward in LuminUltra’s 30+ year commitment to the energy sector,” said Virginia Wornstaff, VP of Strategic Marketing at LuminUltra. “We’re expanding our ability to meet even more of our clients wherever its needed – through smart, targeted partnerships that deliver real value across the oilfield.”

Ready to Get Started?
To start submitting samples via J&L Laboratories, contact Sam Pruett at sam.pruett@jl-laboratories.com or visit their website.

Discover the complete GeneCount® Assay list available through J&L

MIC Package

Total Prokaryotes
Total Archaea
Total Bacteria
Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB)
Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria (SOB)
Iron Reducing Bacteria (IRB)
Methanogens
Corrosive Methanogens (micH)
Corrosive Biomarker (micC)

Souring Package

Total Bacteria
Total Archaea
Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB)
Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria (SOB)


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