Coliforms · Rapid test paper for water
Water Coliform Test Paper Type I – total and faecal coliforms in water
Water Coliform Test Paper Type I is a ready-to-use paper test for total and faecal coliforms in water. The water sample is added directly to sterile medium-impregnated filter paper, and the number of positive strips gives an MPN estimate.
- No media preparation
- Total coliforms at 36–38 °C, faecal coliforms at 44.5 °C
- Result in 18–24 hours
How Water Coliform Test Paper Type I works
Each strip contains a dried lactose medium with indicators. Coliforms grow, ferment lactose and form red spots or halos on a yellow background. The number of positive strips per sample volume is read from an MPN table.
Typical results
| Result | Appearance |
| Positive | Red spots or halos on yellow background |
| Negative | Paper stays purple |
Technical data
| Preparation | Ready to use; water sample added directly onto sterile medium-impregnated 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 Water Coliform Test Paper Type I: Handle strips by the edge with clean gloves and incubate them in the sterile bags supplied.
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.
Water Coliform Test Paper Type I is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Water Coliform Test Paper Type I, please send us a request. With every delivery of Water Coliform Test Paper Type I you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Water Coliform Test Paper Type I.
Where Water Coliform Test Paper Type I 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Water Coliform Test Paper Type I | PRO7382 | 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.
