PROFESSIONAL BACTERIA IN WATER TEST KIT
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), total coliform and e. coli bacteria testing is recommended to indicate the presence of organisms that can cause deadly diseases.
WHAT IS BACTERIA?
Bacteria are microscopic, one-celled organisms usually classified as plants (in a division called fungi).
Bacteria typically originates in human and animal wastes and can enter a water supply from septic tank
drainage, sewage, feedlot manure or direct drainage of surface runoff into wells. Bacterial contamination
remains the most common water quality problem for individual (private wells) and small community
public systems (under 1,000 service connections).
HOW DO YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH BACTERIA?
Fecal coliform bacteria are mostly found in drinking water that comes from private wells and small water
systems. This is partly because private water supplies, small rural public water supplies and private wells
are not required, by law, to be tested. Every time you drink water from one of these sources, you may be
exposed to harmful levels of bacteria, which can pose immediate threat to your health. Families drinking
non-chlorinated water(such as from an underground well) and apartment dwellers roof-top wood storage
tanks are especially susceptible to bacterial contamination. Home water treatment devices utilizing GAC
(Granular Activated Charcoal) as a singular filtering device may also become a breeding ground for
bacteria.
WHAT CAN BACTERIA DO TO YOU?
Fecal coliform bacteria in drinking water can lead to diseases such as typhoid fever and cholera, though
these diseases are rare in the United States. Fecal coliform bacteria contamination can also lead to
infectious hepatitis and dysentery, which are more common. Some experts believe that exposure to high
levels of bacteria in drinking water can also make infants more susceptible to the toxic effects of nitrates
in drinking water. Symptoms associated with bacterial contamination include digestive problems, fever,
nausea, diarrhea and cramps.
HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE A BACTERIA PROBLEM?
To find out if bacteria is a problem in your water, you must test.
The PRO-LAB Professional Bacteria
in Water Test Kit offers two (2) types of analytical methods. The first method simply involves counting
the number of colonies that are growing on the petri dish. The second method (optional) requires send-
ing the petri dish to PRO-LAB for a more detailed analysis, which will identify the
bacteria present in your water.
COMPLETE DIRECTIONS INSIDE
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
CONTENTS
Petri dish
Bacteria medium
Calibrated pipette/dropper
Information form
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR
COMMENTS PLEASE CALL (800) 427-0550
Or visit us on the Internet at: www.prolabinc.com
“Home Safety Test Kits”
WESTON, FLORIDA, 33326
MADE IN U.S.A.
© PRO-LAB, INC. 2003
The PRO-LAB Bacteria in Water Test Kit (patented) is designed to detect dangerous
bacteria in your drinking water. The test kit offers two (2) types of
analytical methods. Method 1 (self-test) simply involves counting the
num- ber of colonies that are growing on the petri dish 48 hours after
sampling and then comparing the value with the enclosed chart. Method
2 (optional) involves sending the petri dish to PRO-LAB for a more detailed
analysis, which will identify the type of bacteria present in your water.
Note: all sampling methodologies are subject to the occurrence of false
negative and false positive results.
DIRECTIONS
1.Remove petri dish from the plastic bag
and lay it on a level surface with the lid side up. DO NOT TOUCH the
inside of the petri dish or expose it to the outside until you are ready
to use it.
2. Completley fill the 1ml pipette/dropper with sample water,
place the test sample water into the bacteria medium bottle. Recap the
bottle and invert twice to mix the sample water with the medium. Do
not shake.
3. Lift the lid of the pretreated dish and pour the mixed
bacteria medium into the dish bottom. Replace the lid and swirl gently
until the bottom is completely covered. Allow to harden for 1 hour on
a level service.
4. Incubate the dish at room temperature for 48 hours.
DETERMINING RESULTS USING METHOD 1 (SELFTEST)
After incubation period of 48 hours, count the number of colonies (dots on
the petri dish). Bacteria colonies appear solid-looking. The colonies
may be very small or may spread considerably. They may be colorless,
whitish, or a vari-ety of colors. Refer to the chart below to determine
the results of your test. Recheck the dish at 72 hours to be sure that
no slow growing bacteria where overlooked.
|
