It is important to test the 'general health' of cooling water. You can do this using our CWBTM2 (Nutrient and Malt Extract Agar) dipslides. Ideal for cooling towers and HVAC testing. What are cooling water dipslide tests? Cooling water dipslides test for bacteria (TVC), yeasts and moulds (fungi). They feature two different types of agar to achieve this. On one side of the dipslide there is a Nutrient Agar (with TTC dye) which tests for aerobic bacteria (colonies grow as red spots), on the other side is a Malt Extract agar which detects yeasts and moulds. To use the dipslides, dip the slide into your sample then incubate the dipslide. After incubation, you can then count the colonies / spots and compare with the chart provided. A step by step pictorial guide can be found below. Why do I need to test cooling water for bacteria? It is important to test the 'general health' of cooling water. You can do this using our cooling water dipslides. Although these displides will not test for legionella specifically, they will indicate if you have large bacterial growth which could potentially make the water a breeding ground for legionella or it could indeed contain the bacteria. As detailed in our article 'Dipslides for legionella testing' "If bacteria is present, we suggest that you conduct further tests to see if Legionella is one of the organisms in the system. Even if legionella is not identified, the presence of other organisms can support legionella by producing the organic nutrients that it needs to thrive.'' For evaporative cooling systems, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) recommend that: "You should monitor the effectiveness of the microbial control using weekly dip slides and periodic legionella analysis". In line with this guidance, we recommend regular dipslide tests (weekly) as well as routine quarterly legionella lab tests. This kit will help you comply with: New York Regulation: 10NYCRR 4-1 Maintenance Program '(1) a schedule for routine bacteriological culture sampling and analysis to assess microbiological activity at intervals not to exceed 30 days while the cooling tower is in use, and that requires additional bacteriological culture sampling and analysis, as needed, to validate process adjustments;' Please note, you will also be required by NY law to conduct specific legionella culture tests within 14 days of seasonal start up and at least every 90 days thereafter. More information: https://regs.health.ny.gov/content/section-4-14-maintenance-program-and-plan HSE ACOP L8 Maintenance and Testing Guidelines The ACOP L8 documentation (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/l8.pdf) refers to document 'Part1: The control of legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems' (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg274part1.pdf) for further technical guidance on cooling systems and how to comply with regulation. European Technical Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Investigation, of infections caused by Legionella species European Technical Guidelines 2017: Minimising the risk from Legionella infections in building water systems: (3.67): 'The effectiveness of the microbial control should be monitored using weekly dipslides and periodic Legionella analysis...' More information: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Legionella%20GuidelinesFinal%20updated%20for%20ECDC%20corrections.pdf Industry sectors Industrial cooling towers HVAC systems These facilities can be based at a multitude of locations such as: schools offices hotels hospitals residential / care homes plants refineries How to use Cooling Water Dipslides Simply remove the dipslide and immerse in the cooling tower water sample for approx 10 seconds. Remove dipslide and allow to drain for a few seconds, then replace the slide back into the tube and incubate for a minimum of 24 hours (up to a maximum of 48 hours). A comparison chart is included so you can easily compare your results. Step 1 : Remove slide Carefully remove the sterile cooling water dip slide from its tube ensuring that no contact is made with the agar (to avoid contamination). Step 2 : If Surface Testing For surface testing, press the cooling water dipslide onto the surface. If needed, place a finger on the bottom of the slide (on the plastic, not the agar) to apply extra pressure. Step 2 : If liquid testing For liquid testing, immerse the cooling water dipslide into the fluid for 10 seconds then remove and allow to drain for a few seconds. Step 2 : If swab testing Apply a sample of the test substance to a sterile swab and gently apply to the agars. Step 3 : Incubate Slide Label the tube with the included stickers then place the slide into an incubator and allow to incubate. Step 4 : Compare results Count the amount of colonies that have grown on the slide and compare them to the comparison chart provided. Cooling Water Dipslide Features Flexible Paddle
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