Aquagenx Sample Storage Before and After Test Procedure Begins

Aquagenx water quality field test kits enable microbial testing in low resource areas where it was previously too difficult or impractical. Our test kits are easy to learn to use without a steep learning curve. Despite their versatility, flexibility and ease-of-use, there are still procedures users should follow to ensure accurate, reliable test results. One such procedure is 100mL sample storage.

We recommend the testing procedure with our water quality test kits should begin within six hours of sample collection. Customers should not add our microbial powder growth medium to the sample until they can begin the entire testing procedure.

The length of time customers can store their 100mL samples depends on if the testing procedure has begun or not.

For samples that are collected, transported, and stored before the growth medium is added and before the rest of the testing steps are initiated, it is best if the sample is stored no more than four days and the storage temperatures are at or below 10° Celsius but not below the freezing point.

If the testing procedure is initiated and the samples have been supplemented with Aquagenx CBT or GEL growth media in the Thio-Bag, the test will yield reliable and reproducible results if temperatures are below 45° degrees Celsius during the incubation period when the samples are being transported or stored.

At temperatures above 45° Celsius for extended periods of time, there might be some decrease in E. coli growth and quantification because such higher temperatures can be harmful to the E. coli bacteria and inhibit their growth.

Aquagenx test kit incubation periods and temperature ranges at ambient conditions are included in all our Instructions for Use and as follows:

35-37°C: 20 hours
31-34°C: 24-30 hours
25-30°C: 40-48 hours

Below 25° Celsius, incubate the sample in a portable incubator at 35-37°C for 24 hours or put in or near another heat source at a minimum of 25° Celsius for up to 48 hours, depending on the temperature.

Also see Incubation Period Guidance and Product Documents on our website.