As well as testing the water itself, it is important to test areas around swimming pools as they are prone to becoming very wet (and hot) which in turn makes them a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. Large numbers of visitors to public facilities at busy times can also contribute to the spread of and build up of bacteria and fungi.

Areas of concern that are likely to have microbiological contaminants:

• shower areas
• changing rooms
• floor drains
• toilet areas
• any other areas that accumulates water

These dipslides will help you test for total count bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The Nutrient agar side tests for total aerobic microbes and includes TTC red spot dye. This means that colonies will grow as red spots that are easy to view, count and compare with the included chart. The Malt Extract agar side tests for yeasts and moulds (fungi).

These dipslides are easy to use, you either dip them in liquid, press them against a surface or swab a sample onto them (as detailed in the below images).

If you would like to test the efficacy of cleaning regimes in your leisure facilities, you will require a dipslide with neutralisers. You can find these here: https://dip-slides.com/41-cleaning

How to use

Simply remove the dipslide and immerse in the 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 120 hours).

A comparison chart is included so you can easily compare your results.

Step 1 : Remove slide

Carefully remove the sterile 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 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 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.

Dip Slide Storage

Store dip slides in a cool dry place (optimum temperature 8-15 degrees c). Use before the expiry date on the box. 

Dip Slide Disposal

Used dip slides should be incinerated, autoclaved or soaked in disinfectant for several hours before disposal.

Reading the results

	Nutrient Side
Level of infection in liquids (CFU/ml)	102	103	104	105	106	107
Approx colonies per agar	2	12	60	200	500	600+
Example Image
Level of infection on surfaces (CFU/cm2)	0.4	2.5	12	40	100	250

	Malt Extract Side
Level of yeasts in liquids (CFU/ml)	102	103	104	105	106	107
Approx yeasts colonies per agar	2	12	60	200	500	600+
Example Image
Level of yeasts on surfaces (CFU/cm2)	0.4	2.5	12	40	100	250

	Malt Extract Side
Level of moulds	Light		Medium		Heavy
Example Image

Additional Details

Product Reference : SWBTM2
Internal catalogue reference : DS001-122