RAPID'E.coli 2 Agar for Water Testing

RAPID'E.coli 2 Agar for Water Testing is composed of the RAPID'E.coli 2 Chromogenic Medium and a selective supplement. The agar medium provides direct enumeration, without confirmation, of E.coli and other coliforms in water samples.

Intended Use

This test is designed for the simultaneous detection and enumeration of E.coli and total coliforms in water for human consumption and untreated water such as well water, lakes, and streams where there is abundant microbial flora.

• Single plate for direct enumeration of both E.coli and coliforms
• Good recovery of stressed and chlorine-injured E.coli (weakly positive β-glucuronidase)
• High selectivity against interfering flora
• Complete results within 21 hr ± 3 hr at 36°C
• Excellent color contrast for quick straightforward reading
• No confirmation step required
• Certified NF VALIDATION as an alternative method

Principle

RAPID'E.coli 2 Agar for Water Testing is based on the simultaneous detection of β-D-glucuronidase (GLUC) and β-D-galactosidase (GAL) activities. Coliforms (GAL+/GLUC-) form green colonies, whereas for E. coli (GAL+/GLUC+) the combined GAL and GLUC (pink) enzyme activities result in blue to violet colonies. Interfering flora in water is inhibited by the supplement making RAPID'E.coli 2 Agar a good choice for testing water for human consumption and untreated water (such as water from wells, lakes, and rivers) where standard media are often not suitable.