Coliforms · Rapid test paper for clean water
Clean Water Coliform Test Paper – total and faecal coliforms
Clean Water Coliform Test Paper Type IV is a ready-to-use paper test for total and faecal coliforms in clean water, with 15 papers per test in three dilutions and an MPN table.
- 15 papers per test
- Total and faecal coliforms
- Result in 18–24 hours
How Clean Water Coliform Test Paper works
The sample is applied directly to sterile medium-impregnated papers. Coliforms produce red spots or halos with yellowing. Incubation at 36–38 °C detects total coliforms, at 44.5 °C faecal coliforms.
Typical results
| Result | Appearance |
| Positive | Red spots or halos on yellow, or fully yellow |
| Negative | Purple |
| Invalid | Pink |
Technical data
| Preparation | Ready to use; water sample added directly onto medium-impregnated sterile filter paper |
| Final pH | 7.0-7.3 (after adding water) |
| Incubation | Total coliforms 36-38 °C; fecal coliforms 44.5 ± 0.5 °C; 18-24 h |
| Storage | 2-8 °C, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf life | 1 year |
Applications and practical notes
Rapid tests for coliforms and E. coli give a screening result faster than the full culture method described in FDA BAM Chapter 4. Typical applications include:
- Screening of food and water samples
- Hygiene checks in kitchens, canteens and catering
- Laboratories that need results within a working day
- Field testing where full media preparation is not practical
Working with Clean Water Coliform Test Paper: Read the test only within the stated time; a pink colour of the whole paper means the test is invalid.
Good practice with rapid tests: store the kit as stated on the label, let the components reach room temperature before use and use each item only once. Record the lot number and the result, and confirm positive results according to the reference method when this is required.
About coliform and E. coli methods: coliforms and E. coli are counted either by the multiple-tube (MPN) method, with a presumptive broth followed by confirmation broths, or by colony counts on selective agars. FDA BAM Chapter 4 describes both approaches for food and water, and ISO 16649-2 gives the colony-count method for β-glucuronidase-positive E. coli on TBX Agar. E. coli O157 and other STEC need dedicated media, serology and PCR. COLO.Science offers media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains for every step.
Complete sets from one supplier: COLO.Science supplies culture media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains as complete sets for the method you follow. Send us your sample types and standards, and we will prepare an offer with the matching products and documentation.
Clean Water Coliform Test Paper is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Clean Water Coliform Test Paper, please send us a request. With every delivery of Clean Water Coliform Test Paper you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Clean Water Coliform Test Paper.
Where Clean Water Coliform Test Paper fits in coliform and E. coli testing
- Presumptive test – Lauryl Sulfate Tryptose Broth (MPN) or VRBL / chromogenic agar (colony count)
- Confirmation – BGLB Broth for coliforms; EC or EC-MUG Broth at 44.5 °C for E. coli
- Isolation – EMB, MacConkey, TBX or chromogenic E. coli agar
- Identification – IMViC kit; for O157 and STEC: SMAC or chromogenic O157 agar, latex and PCR
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Water Coliform Test Paper Type IV | PRO7386 | 10 tests |
Product notice: preparation, storage conditions and shelf life are given on the label. Technical data on this page are for orientation; the label and the lot documentation apply. B2B prices are quoted net, excluding VAT.
Sales and technical support
COLO LabExperts
Polje ob Sotli 4, SI-3255, Slovenia
Quotations and technical support for culture media and microbiology products across our international sales territory. B2B prices are net, excluding VAT.
COLO.SCIENCE | MICROBIOLOGY SUPPORT
Need the complete set for your method?
Send the sample type, target organism and the standard you follow. COLO.Science will put together the media, supplements, QC strains and confirmation tests for the whole procedure.
