Coliform/ E.coli, TVC, Clostridium perf. & Enterococci (Lab Test)

Description

This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of Coliform bacteria/ E.coli bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, TVC and Enterococci.

Coliform bacteria are commonly used as a bacterial indicator of the sanitary quality of water.

• E.coli and Coliform Analysis: Tests for coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E.coli) are the most important routine microbiological examinations carried out on drinking water. These tests provide a sensitive means for detecting faecal contamination, for assessing raw water quality, the effectiveness of water treatment and disinfection and for monitoring the quality of potable water in distribution.
• Enterococci are commonly found in the faeces of human and warm-blooded animals. The presence of enterococci in water (specially recreational water) is an indicator of faecal pollution and possible enteric pathogens.
• Clostridium perfringens Analysis: its presence in water is an indication of faecal contamination in the water supply. C. perfringens are found in water, soil and the intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals and can cause a variety of illnesses. The risk is where spores from contaminated drinking water are able to multiply in incorrectly cooked or stored foodstuffs. The spores of this type of bacteria can survive in harsh environments and can be very resistant to water treatment (including desinfection and UV treatment), therefore the presence of this bacteria is also seen as an indicator of a historic contamination. There is a requirement in England, Wales and Scotland to test for C. perfringens in private water supplies. The presence in drinking water should be zero.
• Total Viable Counts (TVCs) by Pour Plate: The test for Total Viable Count (TVC) is used to determine the presence of microbiological contamination in potable water samples.  The test identifies the presence of mesophyllic gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. TVC/Aerobic Colony Count is a basic measure of bacterial activity in a water sample. It is possible to interpret the result to indicate potential poor water hygiene issues.

Arranging a laboratory analysis is very easy and our service includes everything required to carry out this analysis.

• Includes everything required to carry out the test
• Simply collect the water sample and post it to our accredited laboratory for expert analysis*
• Results available within 6-7 working days after posting the water sample
• Bulk buy discounts available
• Ideal for home & business use, private water supplies, hotels, care homes, healthcare premises, eduction sector, farm premises and property management

Bacterial contamination may not be detected by taste, smell or sight. Floods, human or animal waste, like insects, rodents or animals entering a well can be a cause for bacteria. In the UK, the Water Supply Regulations 2010 (set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate), advises the parameters which are required for the standard of drinking water. The maximum guidelines are 0cfu/100ml for E.coli, Coliform & Enterococci bacteria in consumers’ taps, service reservoirs and water treatment works.

Systems which should regularly be sampled for E.coli: care homes (every 6 months), Healthcare premises (every 6 months), larger buildings operating to BS8558 (every 6 months), bore holes / wells / private springs (every 6 months), poultry / broiler farm drinking lines.

A positive result indicates that your water may be contaminated with bacteria that can be harmful to your health or cause disease. It is strongly recommended to investigate this further and avoid consuming the water during that time.

Suitable for: water analysis, including water from tanks, taps, spring water, wells, rivers, lakes etc.

Please note:

• This test is suitable for potable/drinking water as it analyses up to 100cfu/100ml.
• To test water for coliforms & enterococci above 100cfu/100ml – like water from wells, rivers, streams as well as open water for bathing/swimming – please use Coliform/E.coli & Enterococci test for open water.
• To test water for faecel contamination – like well & ground water, water after a flood, water from a leak – please use Coliform/ E.coli & Intestinal Streptococci

The kit for laboratory analysis contains:

• Clear step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water sample(s),
• Sample pots to take water sample,
• Ice-packs which are to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample,
• Insulated & pre-paid return packaging,
• Analysis by an UKAS accredited laboratory*.

(*For this test, the TVC results are UKAS approved. Results for coliform/E.coli, Intestinal Enterococci and Clostridium perfringens are not approved as fresh water is tested rather than potable water. The laboratory has been accredited by UKAS for coliform/E.coli, P.A., Enterococci, Legionella analysis of potable as well as water from spa & pool. )

How to use:  Once you have ordered on our website, we will send you a water sample bottle, clear instructions as well as a postage box to send the sample for laboratory analysis. Results will be sent per Email (to the Email address used in the order) within 6-7 working days of posting the water sample.

• Courier collection is included within your order. To ensure the sample meets UKAS accreditation, you should*:
  • Freeze enclosed ice packs overnight and place in insulated box
  • Take the sample on the same day of the courier collection.
  • Water sample to be returned within 6 weeks of despatch date (unless otherwise agreed).

*If this is not possible, please contact us. Otherwise we might not be able to analyse your sample.

Please note:

• We require a full water sample to be able to perform the tests. Refunds will not be offered where minimum volume of the sample requirements are not met.
• Water samples must be taken the same day they are collected (this is vital for accurate analysis). Any results received outside of the specified holding time will receive a comment on the report to state the results could be compromised. Samples can be taken and posted Monday to Thursday. (For customers from outer Hebrides, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Cornwall: please check in advance to ensure overnight delivery is available in your area, refunds can not be given where services are not available).
• If you are planning to have more than 1 sample analysed, then all samples need to be taken and shipped to us for analysis at the same time. If you are planning on taking the samples at different times and/or places, then please place separate orders so that we can supply the correct amount of insulated packaging and pre-paid postage labels.
• This product requires insulated packaging to prevent the bacterial levels from changing in the post, the insulated packaging is therefore mandatory. Where the insulated packaging includes ice-packs then these need to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample.
• Do not mix more than one sample per bottle; please ensure one sample bottle is used per sample outlet.
• This service is only available for UK customers. If you are looking to place an order from another country, please do contact us.
• Failure to comply with the requirements for sample collection might result in a failed analysis of your water sample. We can not refund orders where instructions have not been followed.

MPN: Custom-Lab-1