Frequently asked questions
How does the test work?
You simply need to take a water sample and follow the step-by-step procedure shown on the accompanying instruction leaflet. After 30 minutes of handling operations on the first day, the sample is left to incubate for 24h. This is the necessary and incompressible time needed to reveal whether or not pathogenic bacteria are present. After this waiting time, you may interpret the result:
– no colour change, the test is negative.
– yellow staining, the test is positive.
If the result is positive, this indicates that there is a concentration of coliforms (including E. coli) greater than or equal to 1 CFU / mL (Colony Forming Units per millilitre of water), which is potentially hazardous to health.
Why do you have to wait 24h to obtain the result?
The reliability of the results of the Coliforms Water Test (includingE. coli) is based on the incubation of the bacteria at a constant and homogeneous temperature for 24h in the incubator provided in the Mini-Lab. . This is the minimum time necessary to reveal the presence of pathogenic bacteria. This is the same technique as the one used in laboratories.
Is the Mini-Lab reusable
Yes, the Mini-Lab is reusable. It will be able to be used to carry out other analyses. It is compatible with all refill kits of the Water Test range.
Is the Refill test kit reusable?
No, each Refill test kit is for single use and is valid for one single test.
Can I use this kit to test bathing water?
Yes. The Water Test range is devised to test all water, including bathing water. However, legionellae are absent from sea water. Only the Coliforms Water Test can be used to test sea water.
Additional information
Contents of the Mini-Lab
- One 110-240V – 50/60Hz incubator with a power cable and European plug (contact us regarding UK or US plugs)
- One 50 mL syringe + stopper
- One 10 mL syringe with connector
- One 1 mL syringe with connector
- One instruction leaflet
Contents of the Coliform Refill
- 1 vial
- 1 filter
- 1 ampoule of sterile water
- 1 10 mL syringe
Where should I take a water sample at home?
You may choose to analyse any water points you wish, where you suspect there to be contamination. Bathing water, wells and tanks are the installations that are most susceptible to faecal contamination risks.
Is it better to sample hot or cold water?
We recommend that cold water or water at room temperature be used to perform the test.
How long does it take to perform all the operations needed for the test?
The Coliforms Water Test is conducted in two stages, with a 24h incubation gap between the two stages. On the first day, handling operations should take approximately 30 minutes. The second phase consists in interpreting the result through colour changes. Please refer to the online animated tutorial to guide you through each of the steps.
I missed a step in the instructions. What should I do?
In order to guarantee the reliability of the result, it is important to follow each step of the procedure. We recommend that you use the online animation which illustrates all the operations to be carried out.
The instructions in the leaflet correspond to a precise scientific protocol modelled on the method applied in the laboratory. This methodology has been simplified but does not make it possible for you to miss a step without distorting the reading of the result. If you have missed a step, we advise you to perform another test.
The incubator does not show a continuous green light. What should I do?
In the event of a fault in the incubator, contact us.
The table below describes the meaning of the warning lights:
|
Colour of the LED |
Meaning |
Action |
|
The LED flashes blue |
The incubation temperature has not been reached after 30 minutes |
The ambient temperature of the room is too cold The incubator must be used in a warmer environment. |
|
The LED flashes red |
Operational problem. The incubator will not heat up. |
The incubator must be replaced. |
|
The LED flashes green |
The temperature of the incubator is increasing. |
If you unplug the incubator, it is normal for the LED to flash. When the incubator is at the correct temperature, the LED will be static green. |
Reviews