Test procedure, Collect biofilm sample, Resuspend the bacteria – Nova-Tech Orbeco-Hellige Legionella Swab Test Kit User Manual
Page 3: Add sample to the test strip, Read the test strip
Collect Biofilm Sample
Identify the water system to be sampled and an appropriate location from which to obtain a biofilm sample.
Large systems may need to be sampled and tested at multiple locations. The recommended minimum area to
swab is 10 cm
2
. If the surface to be sampled is dry, then pre-moisten the swab in recovery buffer, using the re-
suspension tube. Wipe the swab across the area to be tested.
Avoid generating aerosols when collecting or handling samples!
Transfer the swab containing sample to the re-suspension tube and snap off the handle.
Resuspend the Bacteria
Add 2 ml of Recovery Buffer to the re-suspension tube containing the swab sample and screw on the lid. Shake
the tube for at least 20 seconds or until the swab has released the biofilm sample into the recovery buffer.
Add Sample to the Test Strip
Remove the test from its foil wrapping, and place the test on a flat surface.
The foil wrapping should not be opened until immediately prior to running the test. If the foil is opened and
then the test is not performed within 60 minutes, discard the test.
Before use, the test should have 2 pale blue lines across the result window. If these are not present, notify your
supplier to replace the test kit. Take the pipette from the foil wrapping.
Place open end of the pipette into the solution in the re-suspension tube, then squeeze and release the top
bulb. This should draw the sample all the way up the long tube and may place a small amount of sample in the
bottom of the bulb. Avoid getting air bubbles in the tube -- the pipette filling process can be repeated if neces-
sary to remove air bubbles.
Place the pipette over the small sample window at the end of the test strip, and squeeze the pipette bulb to
dispense the correct amount of water onto the test strip.
Record the time.
Read the Test Strip
Leave the test strip sitting on a flat surface during incubation. For optimum results the test results should be
performed at room temperature. After waiting 25 minutes, examine the test strip in good lighting. If the
test is not read within 60 minutes of adding the water sample, it should be discarded and a new test should be
run. The test should show one of the following results on the large result window on the test strip:
Negative Result: One (1) RED line across the result window at the end furthest from the sample window.
Positive Result: Two (2) RED lines across the result window. The red line closest to the sample window may
be very faint (pale pink). Any distinct line, no matter how faint, should be counted as positive.
Invalid Result: If the test does not show any red lines; or if it only shows a line at the end closest to the sample
window; or if the line furthest from the sample window is very faint, then the test is invalid. Repeat the test and
notify your supplier for
technical support.
Test Procedure