Who We Are
Aloha!
Spectra Analytical Lab was founded on June 4th,2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii to help provide precise analytical testing to Hawaii‘s newly emerging medical cannabis industry.
As an ISO/IEC 17025-2017 accredited lab, Spectra Analytical Lab acts as a third-party interface between the Hawaii department of Health (HDOH) and medical cannabis dispensaries to ensure cannabis flowers and cannabis products meet the required specifications set by the HDOH. Medical cannabis and cannabis product testing is a necessary process used to keep medical cannabis patients safe.
We are committed to public safety and ensure full laboratory compliance and testing guidelines to build a safer cannabis industry in Hawaii.
Your experience at Spectra Analytical starts with a dedicated team of scientists to help with all your needs.
Cannabinoid Testing
Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp. Cannabinoid profiles (potency testing) offer producers and consumers a better understanding of the cannabinoids present in a sample (flower and/or manufactured product). Potency testing therefore aids in dosage determination and quality control.
Terpenes Testing
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique scents and characteristics. Known to be bioactive, terpenes in cannabis not only provide aromatherapy but may also enhance the effects of THC and CBD in the body. From research, many terpenes have an “entourage effect” on the body by working together in synergy within the endocannabinoid system. This could further serve as alternative medicine or therapies for all patients.
Microbiological Testing
Microorganisms found in cannabis flower and cannabis products have the potential to be harmful to patients when consumed or inhaled. In most states, pathogenic organisms such as Aspergillus spp., E. coli, Salmonella spp., and fungal biproducts called mycotoxins are deemed necessary to test.
Content Analysis
Chemical solvents (ex: butane, ethanol, pentane, etc.) are often used during extraction and manufacturing processes of infused products and concentrates. Constant inhalation or consumption of these solvents can have carcinogenic and toxic effects to the human body.
At Spectra Analytical, we are committed to quality testing and customer service.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@spectrahawaii.com or call: (808) 735-5227 for Oahu clients and (808) 746-5530 for Big Island clients.
Michael Covington, MS
CEO
Michael Covington, earned a BS in Plant Physiology from the University of Florida in 1994 and a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2003. Currently Mr. Covington is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spectra Analytical.
Mr. Covington has extensive experience in laboratory management, analytical instrumentation, ISO compliance, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Covington has been working in the cannabis industry for over 5 years, including cannabinoid profiling, cannabis chemistry, and cannabis product R&D. Mr. Covington has 20+ years of experience in project management in the fields of commercial construction, engineering, solid and hazardous waste cleanup, wetland reclamation, and hydraulic restoration.
Mr. Covington has extensive experience in laboratory management, analytical instrumentation, ISO compliance, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Covington has been working in the cannabis industry for over 5 years, including cannabinoid profiling, cannabis chemistry, and cannabis product R&D. Mr. Covington has 20+ years of experience in project management in the fields of commercial construction, engineering, solid and hazardous waste cleanup, wetland reclamation, and hydraulic restoration.
Nelson Lazaga, PhD
COO
Dr. Lazaga is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Spectra Analytical. He joined after finishing his PhD from the Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology in July of 2017 from the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM).
As a trained virologist, Dr. Lazaga's dissertation was titled "Investigation of archetype human polyomavirus JCPyV cellular tropism and genomic alterations in JCPyV pathogenesis”. He also completed his Master of Science degree in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering from UHM. His hobbies include tennis and eating. He also ran the Honolulu marathon 6 times.
As a trained virologist, Dr. Lazaga's dissertation was titled "Investigation of archetype human polyomavirus JCPyV cellular tropism and genomic alterations in JCPyV pathogenesis”. He also completed his Master of Science degree in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering from UHM. His hobbies include tennis and eating. He also ran the Honolulu marathon 6 times.
Shalin Ranjitkar
VP of Scientific Operations
Shalin Ranjitkar is the VP of Scientific Operations at Spectra Analytical. Nepal born, he finished his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Allied Health from Winona State University, Minnesota.
Prior to joining Spectra Analytical in September 2017, Shalin worked as an Analytical Chemist in the pharmaceutical and food testing industry for three years. He is enjoying the greener side, enjoys playing DOTA2, and spending time with his two dogs, Loki and Gummy.
Prior to joining Spectra Analytical in September 2017, Shalin worked as an Analytical Chemist in the pharmaceutical and food testing industry for three years. He is enjoying the greener side, enjoys playing DOTA2, and spending time with his two dogs, Loki and Gummy.
Kathryn Piispanen
Big Island: Quality Manager
Kathryn became a Quality Manager for Spectra Analytical after moving to the Big Island of Hawaii in 2018. Originally from Rhode Island, she graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor's in Animal Science and Technology with a Pre-Veterinary focus.
Prior to working with Spectra Analytical in 2019, she worked for a year and a half with an In-Vivo Contract Research Organization performing medical device testing near Boston. Outside of work, she enjoys baking sweet treats, going horseback riding, and spending time at the beach with friends.
Prior to working with Spectra Analytical in 2019, she worked for a year and a half with an In-Vivo Contract Research Organization performing medical device testing near Boston. Outside of work, she enjoys baking sweet treats, going horseback riding, and spending time at the beach with friends.
David Petersen
Quality Manager
David Petersen became a Quality Manager for Spectra Analytical after moving from Chicago, where he attended Loyola University Chicago – studying and conducting research in a microbiology and immunology lab. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular Biology at Schreiner University in Texas. In his free time, he enjoys crocheting stuffed animals that he donates to different health-related organizations.