Coliform/ E.coli & TVC (Lab Test)

Description

This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of Coliform bacteria, E.coli detection and Total Viable Count (TVC) at 22°C and 37°C for 48 and 72 hours.

Potable water is water that is safe enough to be consumed by humans and other animals and is also known as drinking water. 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.
• 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.

• UKAS certified laboratory results in 5 easy steps
• Includes everything required to carry out the test
• Simply collect the water sample and post it to our UKAS accredited laboratory for expert analysis*
• Water testing covers Coliforms, E.coli & TVC
• Results available within 5-6 working days after posting the water sample
• Bulk buy discounts available
• Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry, private water supplies (bore holes, springs, wells), 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 0/100ml  for E.coli and Coliform 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:  Potable water analysis as well as fresh water samples, including water from tanks, taps, wells, springs, boreholes, ponds, as well as rain water.

Please note:

• This test is suitable for potable/drinking water as it analyses up to 100cfu/100ml.
• 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 a UKAS accredited laboratory*.

(*The laboratory has been accredited by UKAS for bacteria 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 5-6 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: BAC-LAB-1