Isolation and differentiation of Gram (-) enteric bacilli. Coliform Testing/Recovering of Stressed Coliforms
APPLICATION
In total coliform testing, the coliform organisms tested for include: total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli (Escherichia coli).
Detection of fecal coliforms (a subset of total coliforms) or Escherichia coli (a subset of fecal coliforms) can indicate the
potential presence of waterborne pathogens associated with fecal contamination.
PADDLE AGARS
Note: Side 1 of each paddle is marked with an indented laser line.
Side 1: Nutrient-TTC Agar (NUT) – (Color: Yellow) General purpose (relatively non-selective) medium, which
will support the growth of a wide variety of organisms. Suitable for cultivation of both aerobes and anaerobes.
Aerobic coliform bacteria can be detected by their ability to reduce the Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye
to a red-colored formazan dye. Bacterial colonies appear as red dots on an otherwise yellow medium.
Note: Paddle color is normally LIGHT YELLOW when the NUT agar is cast (about pH 6.0). Some
microorganism growth (even before colonies are OBSERVABLE) will shift the pH from an acidic level to a more
alkaline level (pH 7.0 or higher) – turning the agar a light green.
1
Side 2: MacConkey Agar (MAC) – (Color: Brownish-pink) Both selective AND differential; used to differentiate
between Gram negative bacteria while inhibiting the growth of most Gram positive bacteria. The medium also
differentiates between lactose-fermenting coliforms (Lac (+)) and lactose non-fermenters (Lac (-)), which
include potential pathogens.
STORAGE / EXPIRATION
Store tightly sealed BioPaddles® in a cool, dry location. Shield from direct sunlight. Store BioPaddles® at room temperature
(65 - 77°F/18 - 25°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes. Temperature fluctuations may result in condensation settling at the
bottom of the vial. This will not affect the culture properties but could reduce the shelf-life or cause the agar to separate from
the plastic paddle support. Do not refrigerate or store at temperatures above 80°F/27°C. Refrigeration may result in water
condensation. Avoid freezing.
Refer to Best Before End date (See: BBE stamped on vial). Discard if paddle agar appears oxidized and darker than the
expected color or if contaminants appear. The expiration date is based on medium in an intact container that is stored as
directed.
1
United State Pharmacopeial Convention. 2007 The United States Pharmacopeia, 31st ed., Amended Chapters 61, 62, 111. The United States Pharmacoeial
These agars have been verified by EMSL Analytical, Inc. using E. coli and E. faecalis cultures. Documentation available upon
request.
SAMPLING
LIQUID SAMPLING PROTOCOL
DIRECT IMMERSION PROTOCOL for Low Viscosity Liquids
1. Twist to remove paddle from vial. Do not touch agar surfaces.
2. Fill vial to 40 mL fill line with the liquid to be sampled and immerse paddle
or immerse paddle directly in the sample. Both agar surfaces must be
completely contacted. Allow at least 15 second contact time (30 seconds is
optimal).
3. Remove paddle. Allow liquid to drain off both agar surfaces.
4. Replace paddle in vial.
5. Incubate.
SPREAD PROTOCOL for High Viscosity Liquids
1. Twist to remove paddle from vial. Do not touch agar surfaces.
2. Hold the contact agar surface on a horizontal plane. Deposit the liquid sample as a single drop
approximately 1 cm from the handle boundary.
3. Position a sterile glass rod between the handle and the drop of sample. Bring the rod in contact with
the drop to create a meniscus. Drag the rod over the agar surface toward the tip of the paddle.
4. Replace paddle in vial.
5. Incubate.
SURFACE SAMPLING PROTOCOL
Recovery Rate is about 50%
1. Twist paddle to remove from vial. Do not touch agar surfaces.
2. Touch the paddle surface (10 cm2) to two different areas of the test surface to cover a total of 20 cm2. Or touch the
paddle to the surface once and multiply the colony count by 2.
3. Allow 15 second contact time.
4. Replace the paddle in the vial.
5. Incubate
AIR SAMPLING PROTOCOL
1. Twist to remove paddle from vial. Do not touch agar surfaces.
Incubation of Paddle GrowthIncubation TemperatureExamine at:
Total Coliform / Bacteria35 ± 2°C24 to 48 hours
Total Coliform / BacteriaRoom TemperatureUp to 5 days
Yeast / Mold25 to 30°C48 hours up to 120 hours (5 days)
Yeast / MoldRoom TemperatureUp to 7 days
Note: Incubation of bacteria after 48 hours may produce confluent growth making enumeration more difficult.
COLONY MEASURING
Each BioPaddles® paddle has molded media attachment points that are 4 mm in length
(point-to-point). This feature provides a useful guidepost to estimating nearby colony
size.
ENUMERATION
Bacteria
10
3
10
4
LightModerateHeavy
Note: Estimation of lower counts is possible, but statistically difficult to justify. Use Light, Moderate and Heavy for Mold
and Mildew growth. Mold and mildew colony growth is more confluent than bacterial growth and therefore more difficult to
quantify. Use Light, Moderate, and Heavy for surface and air testing.
Twist to remove paddle from vial. Fill vial to 40 mL fill line with 1:9 dilution of household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite).
Replace paddle in vial. Allow 15 minute contact time. Remove paddle. Discard bleach solution. Replace paddle in vial and
dispose. Alternatively, loosen cap and microwave for 30 seconds, autoclave, or incinerate.
IDENTIFICATION
An organism with Growth +++ will grow very well (non-fastidious) on the indicated media. An organism with Growth + is
less likely to grow (fastidious), especially if crowded out by Growth +++ organisms. The media may not contain all of the
nutrients that a Growth + organism needs in order to thrive.
OrganismNutrient-TTC (NUT) AgarMacConkey (MAC) Agar
Aspergillus niger
Bacillus spp.
INHIBITED
Growth: +++
Colony: Granular, jet black conidia with
yellow/gray hyphae, 3-5++ cm
INHIBITED
Growth: +++
Colony: Irregular, raised, lobate (wrinkled),
opaque, with darker center (bullseye)
2-4+ mm
Candida albicans
Growth: +++
Colony: Cream, convex, entire, glossy,
1-2 mm