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 sending the Petri dish to USIAQ.com 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 919.234.9802

PRO-LAB's 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 number 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 USIAQ.com 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. Completely 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 variety 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.

ANALYTICAL METHOD 2 (OPTIONAL) 1. After conducting the self test, replace the lid and seal around the edges of the Petri dish with tape (clear, electrical duct tape). 2. Completely fill out the information form (analysis cannot be conducted unless you submit all of the information requested) STANDARD LAB RESULTS The PRO-LAB Professional Bacteria in Water Test Kit requires a $30 lab fee. Place the petri dish in a padded envelope or box along with the information form, and a check, money order (made payable to PRO-LAB ) or a credit card voucher for $30 (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover only). Mail immediately (within 24 hours of replacing the lid). Send the sample to PRO-LAB, 1675 N. Commerce Parkway, Suite 100, Weston, FL 33326. Within two weeks after PRO-LAB has received your sample, we will send you an easy to read evaluation indicating the exact count and type of bacteria present. EXPRESS FAX SERVICE Express Service is available for an additional $15. In order to use the express service, you must send the sample, the information form and proper payment to PRO-LAB using an overnight shipping company such as Federal Express, Airborne Express or UPS. Send the sample to PRO-LAB, 1675 N. Commerce Parkway, Suite 100, Weston, FL 33326. (An express sample can only be received Monday - Friday). Within 72 hours of our receipt you will receive your faxed results. Do you have Black Mold? EcoSmart catalog includes Test Kits for Mold, Radon Gas, Water Quality, Asbestos, Lead, Carbon Monoxide, and Bacteria.