The BTM2 Dipslide will grow / detect total count (aerobic bacteria / microbes) on one side and moulds and yeasts on the other side. It can be used to test/monitor the levels of mould, aerobic bacteria and yeast. If there are microbiological contaminants in your sample, they will grow as colonies on the dipslide agar (culture media). The agars on this dipslide are Nutrient Agar with TTC and Malt Extract Agar.
Nutrient Agar is a general purpose agar that tests for a total bacteria count (TVC). The Nutrient agar includes TTC (red spot dye). This means that most colonies growing on the dipslide agar will appear as red spots which makes it easier to interpret results. Malt Extract Agar tests for yeasts and moulds. This is a general purpose slide that can be used in a variety of applications.
You can either dip the slide into your sample, swab onto the dipslide or press the slide against a surface. Once your sample has been transferred onto the dipslide, you 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.
These dipslides come in a pack size of 10 slides per box. The slide has a flexible paddle and is within a shatterproof container. Compatible dipslide incubators can be found here: Dipslide Incubators.
How to use the BTM2 dipslide
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.
Carefully remove the sterile Nutrient + Malt Extract dip slide from its tube ensuring that no contact is made with the agar (to avoid contamination).
For surface testing, press the Nutrient + Malt Extract 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.
For liquid testing, immerse the Nutrient + Malt Extract dipslide into the fluid for 10 seconds then remove and allow to drain for a few seconds.
Apply a sample of the test substance to a sterile swab and gently apply to the agars.
Label the tube with the included stickers then place the slide into an incubator and allow to incubate.
Count the amount of colonies that have grown on the slide and compare them to the comparison chart provided.
BTM2 Dipslide Features
Each dipslide features a virtually unbreakable and flexible paddle allowing for even, full surface testing.
Due to the design of the dipslide, fluids will drain off quickly during testing.
Each slide has a handle built into the lid that is recessed to help keep your fingers dry during testing.
One side of the slide will have a circle indicator so you know which side was used for testing which type of contaminant.
Each dipslide is dual sided to allow multiple contamination testing with one test.
Each agar is thick (approx 4mm) and raised above the dipslide to allow for easy surface testing.
What is a BTM2 Dipslide?
The BTM2 dipslide is a dual sided slide coated in two different agars. It features a Nutrient agar to detect total aerobic bacteria and a Malt Extract agar to detect Yeasts and moulds. It is used in multiple industries and is often used to test liquids for contamination (CFU/ml).
Industry sectors
- Commonly used to detect 'fuel bug' (microscopic fungi, yeast and bacteria)
- Cooling tower waters
- Boiler feed water
- Engineering and metal cutting fluid contamination testing
- General water testing
- Ground source heat pump systems / closed loop heating systems
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
Customer Questions
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Do we require to use an incubator for these slides?
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Yes. We recommend the use of an incubator as this gives a constant temperature of 30 degrees c and will give more accurate results.
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Can the dipslides be used without an incubator? I don't want to have to purchase an incubator because I can't afford it, and I am only wanting to test the creams and lotions I make for my own use. If I left the dipslides in a warm room for several days, would that ultimately give me an accurate reading? I don't mind having to wait several days.
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Dipslides will need to be kept at a constant correct temperature to provide accurate results. As such, we only recommend using an incubator that can be configured to meet this requirement / the temperature required for the dipslide.
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Dipslide instructions indicate 24 to 48 hr incubation. What do I tell the customer if they read after 24 hrs and there is no growth and then there is some in 48 hrs and more in 72 hrs. They want to go with the 24 hour rdg and we are in conflict-I say if slow growers show up in 72 hrs than the microbes are there and the systems should be treated.
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The nutrient side should start to show bacterial growth after 24 hours (assuming an incubator is used). After 48 hours, you can take your final reading. If incubating after 48 hours, it is important to note if any further growth is "new" growth or "increased growth". e.g. additional red spots or simply larger red spots. We would always suggest waiting the full 48 hours to make sure that the bacteria has grown enough so it is visible to the human eye in 'red dot form'. Of course, if the slide is heavily infected after 24 hours, it's pretty safe to assume after 48, it will be worse and as such, action can be taken (e.g. another test to confirm the results or action taken in line with your risk assessment). The Malt extract side can take a lot longer (up to 120 hours) due to the time it takes for moulds/yeasts to grow.
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Hi, I want to know what is limit for Fungal Growth. Your literature says Mold can be identified only as Light Medium and Heavy so what would be acceptable limits for garments of Food Processing Industry.In case of TBC/TTC no. of Colonies can be counted through dots and ETSA has a limit of 20 spots for same.
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I'm afraid this is not something we could advise on. You would need to speak to the appropriate regulator regarding this.
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Hi, I am currently using the product shown in the link below, but is this the best comparative product that you supply.
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Hello, Yes, the dipslides in the link you provided use Nutrient + tcc and Malt Extract (which is the same as out own Nutrient + Malt Extract Dipslides (TTC = Red spot dye). Hope this helps.
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Additional Details
Product Reference : BTM2
Internal catalogue reference : DS001-1
Product external rating on reviews.co.uk:
4.8 out of 5 based on 6 customer ratings