What Pickering Laboratories does

Pickering Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held analytical-instrumentation company founded in 1997 and headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company specializes in HPLC post-column derivatization technology — instruments, analytical columns, reagents and validated methods — used by laboratories to detect and quantify amino acids, carbamate pesticides, glyphosate herbicide, mycotoxins, antibiotics and other challenging compounds at trace levels. Its current product line centers on the Onyx PCX flagship post-column instrument (launched 2019), the Vector PCX compact system (launched 2018), and the discontinued-but-supported Pinnacle PCX, complemented by cation-exchange and reversed-phase columns (Lithium/Sodium amino-acid, Carbamate, Glyphosate, ALKION, Mycotox, Polyether Antibiotics, GARD), a Chromatographic Grade reagent family (TRIONE, o-Phthalaldehyde, Thiofluor, Vanillin, DMAB, hydrolysis and eluant buffers), application kits, and contract laboratory services. A separate Pickering Test Solutions brand supplies standardized artificial body fluids (perspiration, saliva, urine, blood) to product-testing and dental-materials markets.

The business generates revenue through three streams: (1) instrument sales (Onyx PCX, Vector PCX and legacy Pinnacle PCX systems, plus replacement components and Elite/Depot service plans), (2) recurring consumables (analytical columns, Chromatographic Grade reagents, eluants, calibration standards, and test mixtures), and (3) service and contract-laboratory revenue (installation, training, warranty upgrades, and fee-for-service amino acid, environmental and food analysis). Go-to-market combines direct sales ([email protected], online storefront, telephone) with an international network of authorized distributors, some of whom are trained by Pickering to provide local installation and service. Marketing is content-led through method abstracts, product brochures, technical primers, YouTube videos, email newsletter, LinkedIn/Facebook/Twitter presence, and trade-show participation.

Primary customer segments are regulated analytical laboratories across pharmaceutical/biotechnology, environmental testing, food/feed testing, and emerging hemp/cannabis testing verticals, with secondary exposure to product-testing QA buyers via the Test Solutions line. The company's competitive position rests on a "Guaranteed Chemistry" promise — an integrated, jointly-validated chemistry/column/method/instrument stack tied to EPA (531.1, 531.2, 547) and AOAC (985.23, 991.08, 2011.02) regulatory methods — which anchors a 35-year domain specialization in post-column derivatization.

Name

Pickering Laboratories

Legal name

Pickering Laboratories, Inc.

Website

https://pickeringlabs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pickering Laboratories is a privately held Mountain View, California-based manufacturer of HPLC post-column derivatization instruments, analytical columns, and Chromatographic Grade reagents serving regulated analytical laboratories in pharmaceutical, environmental, food/feed, and cannabis testing markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Analytical Laboratory Instrumentation (HPLC Post-Column Derivatization)

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems (HLAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residue & Contaminant Testing (Pesticides, Vet Drugs, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals) (AFALAAAF), Rapid On-Site Environmental Testing Kits & Instruments (Lateral Flow, PCR, ATP Devices) (AFALAEAK)

Keywords

• HPLC post-column derivatization
• Analytical chromatography instruments
• Amino acid analysis columns
• Mycotoxin and carbamate testing
• Chromatographic grade reagents

Headquarters

HQ city

Mountain View

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Post-column Derivatization Instruments: Sale of Onyx PCX, Pinnacle PCX, and Vector PCX instruments - HPLC post-column derivatization systems with varying capabilities and price points. Instruments are sold with accessories, spare parts, reservoirs, power cords and operation manuals.
2. Analytical Columns and Guards: Cation-exchange columns for amino acid analysis (lithium and sodium), carbamate pesticides, glyphosate herbicide, ALKION columns, mycotoxin columns, polyether antibiotics columns. Includes GARD column protection system.
3. Reagents and Chemicals: Chromatographic Grade reagents including TRIONE Ninhydrin Reagent, o-Phthalaldehyde, Thiofluor, Vanillin, DMAB, hydrolysis reagents, eluants, calibration standards, and test mixtures. Consumable products with recurring revenue potential.
4. Product Testing Solutions: Artificial body fluids for product testing including artificial perspiration (multiple formulations), artificial saliva, artificial urine, artificial blood, and other testing products per ANSI, NIST and official standards organizations specifications.
5. Service and Support: Installation and training services at customer sites and at company facility. Elite Service Plans (1-year and 2-year) and Depot Service Plans for ongoing maintenance and support. Technical support and warranty services.
6. Contract Laboratory Services: Contract laboratories offer fast, high quality, and reliable analysis services for amino acid analysis, environmental testing, and food testing applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Pickering Laboratories designs, manufactures, and sells HPLC post-column derivatization instruments (Onyx PCX, Vector PCX, UVE photochemical reactor), specialized cation-exchange analytical columns and guards, and Chromatographic Grade reagents, diluents, eluants, and calibration standards. Products are bundled into application kits for amino acid analysis, carbamate/glyphosate pesticide residue testing, mycotoxin, antibiotic, paralytic shellfish toxin, and formaldehyde detection, supported by installation, training, service plans, and contract laboratory analysis.

Product overview

Pickering Laboratories is a provider of HPLC post-column derivatization instruments, analytical columns, reagents, and application kits for the analysis of amino acids, carbamates, mycotoxins, antibiotics, herbicides, and other challenging compounds. Their product portfolio centers on the Onyx PCX (current flagship), Pinnacle PCX (discontinued 2020), and Vector PCX post-column instruments; GARD, Lithium, Sodium, Carbamate, Glyphosate, ALKION, Mycotox, and Polyether analytical columns; and comprehensive reagent offerings including TRIONE Ninhydrin, o-Phthalaldehyde, Vanillin, DMAB, Thiofluor, hydrolysis reagents, eluants, and calibration standards. The company also offers complete application kits for amino acid, environmental, and food/supplement analysis. Underpinning the offering is a 'Guaranteed Chemistry' vision where each component is designed to work together for guaranteed analysis performance. Additionally, Pickering produces artificial body fluids (perspiration, saliva, urine) for product testing under the Pickering Test Solutions brand.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pickering Test Solutions: Artificial body fluids products including artificial perspiration, saliva, urine, and other testing solutions for product testing and research applications

Products and services

• Onyx PCX Post-Column Derivatization Instrument Next-generation HPLC post-column derivatization instrument for amino acid, carbamate, mycotoxin, antibiotic and related analyses. Features programmable temperature gradient column oven, electronic pulse-free syringe pump, quick-change reactor cartridges, and integrated gas manifold; compatible with any HPLC instrument from any manufacturer.
• Vector PCX Post-Column Derivatization Instrument Compact post-column derivatization instrument for application-specific methods. Does not include a built-in column oven (uses the HPLC column oven for temperature control); features inert pumps with PEEK liquid manifolds, simple control interface (no computer required), and a reduced bench-space profile.
• UVE Photochemical Reactor Photoderivatization instrument with a 254nm UV lamp and knitted reactor coil for post-column detection enhancement of aflatoxins (sub-ppb detection), phenylurea pesticides, and barbiturates. AOAC-accepted methodology.
• GARD Column Protection System Proprietary cation-exchange guard that prevents matrix compounds from passing through while allowing analytes of interest to pass unimpeded, significantly prolonging column life without band spreading or added back-pressure.
• Lithium Amino Acid Analysis Columns Cation-exchange columns for physiological-fluid amino acid analysis. High selectivity; available in 70-minute high-efficiency, high-efficiency, and standard versions.
• Sodium Amino Acid Analysis Columns Ion-exchange columns for amino acid analysis of hydrolyzed samples (protein hydrolysate, collagen hydrolysate, oxidized feed). Includes 30-minute high-efficiency versions.
• Carbamate Pesticide Analysis Columns Columns guaranteed to separate carbamate residues per EPA Method 531.1, EPA Method 531.2, and AOAC Method 985.23. Available in high resolution/capacity, rapid analysis, and expanded resolution versions for 23+ carbamate compounds.
• Glyphosate Herbicide Analysis Columns Cation-exchange column designed and tested for glyphosate and its primary metabolite AMPA per EPA Method 547 and AOAC 991.08. Short isocratic method with reproducible run-to-run and column-to-column performance.
• ALKION Columns Cation-exchange columns with rigid non-porous polymeric stationary phase that is surface sulfonated, providing both ion-exchange and moderate partitioning separation modes for biogenic amines, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and streptomycin analysis.
• Mycotox Mycotoxin Analysis Columns Reversed-phase columns for mycotoxin analysis including aflatoxins. All six aflatoxins are detectable at the same fluorescence emission wavelength in a single isocratic HPLC analysis.
• Polyether Antibiotics Columns Columns for HPLC with post-column derivatization quantification of polyether antibiotics such as monensin, narasin and salinomycin in raw material, premix, liquid supplements, and final feeds.
• TRIONE Ninhydrin Reagent Chromatographic Grade Ninhydrin reagent for automated post-column derivatization of primary and secondary amines. Contains Ninhydrin, Hydrindantin, Lithium Acetate buffer, and Sulfolane; stable without refrigeration in shipment, storage, or reservoir.
• o-Phthalaldehyde (OPA) Chromatographic Grade reagent for automated post-column derivatization of primary amines; forms highly fluorescent adducts detectable at 330nm excitation / 465nm emission.
• Thiofluor Chromatographic Grade 2-(Dimethylamino)ethanethiol HCl for automated post-column derivatization of primary amines; solid, nearly odorless nucleophile and superior substitute for 2-Mercaptoethanol in OPA reagent preparation.
• Naphthalene-2,3-Dicarboxaldehyde Chromatographic Grade reagent for derivatization of primary amino groups; forms stable highly fluorescent derivatives with primary amines for post-column or pre-column derivatization.
• Vanillin Chromatographic Grade reagent used with methanol and sulfuric acid for post-column analysis of polyether antibiotics monensin, narasin, and salinomycin; sealed under argon gas.
• p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) Chromatographic Grade reagent for post-column analysis of sulfa drugs in feed and animal tissues; forms colored derivatives with primary amines detectable at 450nm.
• OPA Diluents (CB910, GA104, OD104) Chromatographic Grade borate buffers for OPA reagent preparation: CB910 for carbamate analysis, GA104 for glyphosate analysis, OD104 for amino acid and other amine analysis.
• Hydrolysis Reagents CB130 & CB130.2 Chromatographic Grade reagents for first stage of post-column carbamate derivatization. CB130.2 is formulated per EPA Method 531.2 with 0.075M Sodium Hydroxide; both contain C47 additive to prevent precipitation of insoluble minerals.
• Hypochlorite Diluent GA116 Chromatographic Grade diluent for preparation of oxidizing reagent for post-column glyphosate analysis; converts glyphosate to primary amine prior to OPA reaction.
• Nash Reagent Two-part reagent for formaldehyde analysis. Available in AATCC Method 206 colorimetric formulation and ASTM D5910 HPLC post-column method formulation for free and hydrolyzed formaldehyde.
• Li220 & Na220L Diluents Chromatographic Grade samples and standards diluents for amino acid analysis. Li220 for physiological samples with lithium columns; Na220L for hydrolysate samples with sodium columns.
• SERAPREP & URIPREP Sample Preparation Reagents Chromatographic Grade reagents for preparation of native samples for amino acid analysis. SERAPREP for serum and high buffering-capacity samples; URIPREP for urine and low buffering-capacity samples like fruit juices and beverages.
• ChlorAC Buffer Chromatographic Grade buffer for preservation of aqueous carbamate samples; prepared from monochloracetic acid and potassium acetate to EPA specifications and guaranteed free of co-eluting interferences for EPA 531.1 analytes.
• Restore Metal Ion Removal Solution Chromatographic Grade solution for removal of metal ion contamination and restoration of proper ion balance in glyphosate analytical columns and guards; rapidly removes iron and other polyvalent metals.
• Mobile Phase and Reagents for Paralytic Shellfish Toxins Complete reagent kits for AOAC Official Method 2011.02 HPLC analysis of paralytic shellfish toxins. Includes GTX & STX Mobile Phases A & B, C-Toxins Mobile Phases, and two-part post-column oxidant.
• Eluants Chromatographic Grade eluants manufactured under strictly controlled conditions for guaranteed purity, stability, and consistency. Includes sodium-based, lithium-based, potassium-based, glyphosate, biogenic amines, and multi-residue mycotoxin formulations.
• Calibration Standards & Test Mixtures Quantitative calibration standards with certified purity and chromatographic testing. Includes amino acid (protein hydrolysate, collagen hydrolysate, native sample, oxidized feed), carbamate, and method-verification test mixtures.
• Amino Acid Analysis Application Kits Complete application kits for amino acid analysis including columns, reagents, eluants, and methods. Available in 30-minute, 55-minute, 60-minute, 70-minute, 120-minute, and 185-minute configurations for collagen hydrolysate, protein hydrolysate, oxidized feed, and physiological fluids.
• Environmental Analysis Application Kits Complete kits for environmental pesticide and herbicide analysis including carbamate pesticides per EPA 531.1, 531.2, and AOAC 985.23, and glyphosate herbicide per EPA Method 547 and AOAC 991.08.
• Food & Supplement Testing Application Kits Complete kits for food and supplement analysis including biogenic amines/polyamines, aminoglycoside antibiotics, multi-residue mycotoxins, aflatoxins, polyether antibiotics, paralytic shellfish toxins, and formaldehyde analysis.
• Replacement Components Certified replacement parts for Pickering Laboratories instruments including Pinnacle PCX and Vector PCX reagent pump components, reactor cartridges, reagent reservoirs, pressure regulators, flow restrictors, filters, frits, tubing, and fittings.
• Flow Restrictors Tubes packed with sized diamond particles providing desired back-pressure relative to flow rate and viscosity; chemically and chromatographically inert to all mobile phases. Available in type 316 stainless steel or PEEK.
• Elite and Depot Service Plans Annual service and maintenance plans for Onyx PCX, Pinnacle PCX, and Vector PCX instruments. Includes 1-year and 2-year Elite Service Plans (catalog 1000-0102 through 1000-0106), Depot Service Plans (catalog 1000-0201 through 1000-0203), and Warranty Upgrades (1000-0903).
• Contract Laboratory Analysis Services Fast, high-quality contract laboratory analysis services for amino acid analysis, environmental testing, and food testing applications.
• Installation and Training Services On-site installation and individually-tailored training at customer sites and at the Mountain View, California headquarters facility. Some authorized distributors offer their own training and installation services, supported by Pickering-trained local service engineers.
• Artificial Perspiration Artificial body fluid for colorfastness, corrosion, and discoloration testing. Made to official product-testing specifications from ANSI, NIST, DIN 53160, BS EN 1811, ISO 105, and AATCC Test Method 15.
• Artificial Saliva Products for testing biodegradability of dental metal alloys and colorfastness per Fusayama Meyer, AFNOR NF S91-141, DIN 53160, ISO 10271, and pharmaceutical research formulations.
• Artificial Urine Artificial urine per DIN EN 1616:1999 standard procedure, with custom formulations available for urological implant corrosion testing and clinical research.
• Other Artificial Body Fluid Testing Products Additional artificial body fluids including artificial cerumen, simulated lung fluid, artificial sebum, artificial blood, and substitute ocean water for various product-testing applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• 42% shorter run time using temperature gradient program vs standard method
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Authorized Distributors (International)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPickering Laboratories operates through a worldwide network of authorized distributors who provide local sales, technical support, and some training and installation services. Some distributors have been trained by Pickering Laboratories to provide service support on behalf of the company. A distributor list is available on the company website.

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Restek Corporation: Independent manufacturer of HPLC and GC columns, consumables, and reference standards for food safety, environmental, and pharmaceutical testing. Directly comparable to Pickering's columns, reagents, and calibration standards portfolio.
• Phenomenex: Major supplier of HPLC columns, guards, and consumables to analytical testing labs. Direct overlap with Pickering's analytical columns, GARD protection system, and consumables across amino acid, pesticide, mycotoxin, and pharmaceutical applications.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Diversified life sciences and analytical instruments leader with HPLC, LC-MS, reagents, and columns. Competes for budget across Pickering's customer verticals — pharma, environmental, and food testing.
• Sigma-Aldrich (MilliporeSigma): Major supplier of analytical reagents, standards, and consumables used in regulated testing labs. Overlaps with Pickering's Chromatographic Grade reagents and calibration standards across amino acid and residue testing.
• Shimadzu Scientific Instruments: Broad-line analytical instrument manufacturer with HPLC systems and consumables. Targets the same pharmaceutical, food, and environmental testing labs that Pickering serves with post-column derivatization instruments.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Life science research and clinical diagnostics company with HPLC instrumentation, reagents, and analytical standards. Overlaps with Pickering in amino acid analysis and laboratory reagent markets.
• Waters Corporation: Premier HPLC and LC-MS vendor serving pharmaceutical, food safety, and environmental labs. Competes for the same regulated testing budgets that drive Pickering's amino acid, mycotoxin, and pesticide analysis sales.
• Agilent Technologies: Global leader in HPLC and LC-MS instruments, columns, and consumables. Competes broadly with Pickering across regulated testing labs and is named as a partner integration target (Agilent OpenLab) for Pickering's Onyx PCX software.
• Hitachi High-Tech: Manufacturer of HPLC and analytical instruments for pharmaceutical, environmental, and food testing. Competes for similar lab budgets to Pickering, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Emerging players

• Antec Scientific: Specialty manufacturer of HPLC with electrochemical detection (ECD) instruments, overlapping with Pickering's post-column detection niche in amino acid, biogenic amine, and neurotransmitter analysis.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PickeringLabs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pickering-laboratories-inc-

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pickering Laboratories