The INSTANT DIPSTICK TESTKIT is a simplified low cost variant of the «BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION SCREENING KIT». It is also a «field testkit» based on special «Dipstick Units» for contamination analyses of 20 water samples or surfaces. Easy to follow instructions with illustrations are provided in a detailed brochure. The tests are based on chemical ATP measurements the outcome of which is recorded in a portable luminometer.

• Instant Dipstick Testkit
• Short test protocol

Bacteria and biological residues present in water or contaminated surfaces are absorbed by the cotton tip of a Dipstick Unit and their ATP is set free by an ATP extracting chemical. The reaction of the dissolved ATP with an ATP reagent produces luminescence which is measured and recorded in the luminometer in RLU (Relative Light Units). The amount of light produced reflects the richness of the sample in contaminating microbes and biological residues.

Two different types of assays can be performed:

– A Direct test which measures both the microbial ATP and the ATP from biological residues

– A Prefilter test which only measures the microbial ATP

The Instant Dipstick Units are prepared in a strictly controlled procedure and contain exactly the same amount of reagents, which together with the very simple test procedures contributes to the high precision of the assays.

The set up and measurements only take a few minutes and allow to analyse multiple samples in a very short time. The two test procedures are extremely simple and can be performed anytime and, anywhere, on site as well as in the laboratory. The assays can be performed «at ambient temperature» with maximum luminescence scorings in the range 15°C to 25°C. The Instant Dipstick Units are low-cost «ready to use» disposable items, which bypass tedious and time consuming preparation or handlings.

The Instant Dipstick Testkit contains 2 aluminum bags each with 10 Instant Diptstick Units, for analysis of 20 samples. Each kit also contains a small box with vials and a chemical for decontaminating the accessories used in «prefilter tests». The kits are provided with a detailed Standard Operational Procedure brochure, an abbreviated Bench Protocol, data scoring sheets and a specification sheet with the batch number of the Instant Dipstick Units and the decontamination chemical.

The Instant Dipstick Units must be kept in the refrigerator (2-8°C) prior to use.When stored properly, the Instant Diptstick Units have a shelf life of 6 months up to one year.

The ATP reagent is very sensitive, and gives luminescence even for very low ATP concentrations. It can hence detect very low numbers of bacteria and contaminating biological residues.

The portable luminometer is enclosed in a small size and lightweight “LUMI-BOX” which also contains various accessories for performance of “prefilter tests”