Service description
Laboratory of water microbiology analyses the occurrence of indicator microbes in water and environmental samples as a service for clients, for example:
- in connection with a suspected waterborne outbreak
- in order to investigate a water-related problem
- identify microbiological threats
- ensure the quality of water
The client takes and delivers the water samples to laboratory of water microbiology in Kuopio. Sampling and Shipping
Clostridium perfringens spores and/or vegetative cells
Clostridium perfringens bacteria are analyzed from drinking water, natural waters and wastewater in accordance with standard SFS-EN ISO 14189:2016 using TSC medium under anaerobic conditions.
Vegetative cells are tested from the sample without any pretreatment, and for the testing of spores the sample is subjected to heat treatment. C. perfringens colonies are confirmed using the acid phosphatase test.
TSC medium can also be used for the enumeration of sulphitereducing clostridial spores in accordance with standard SFSEN 264612:2013.
The method is not accredited.
F-spesific coliphages
Fspecific coliphages are determined from drinking water, surface waters and wastewater by applying the international methods US EPA Method 1601:2001 (Male-specific (F+) and Somatic Coliphage in Water by Two-step Enrichment Procedure) and US EPA Method 1602:2001 (Male-specific (F+) and Somatic Coliphage in Water by Single Agar Layer (SAL) Procedure), using either quantitative plaque assay techniques or qualitative enrichment techniques.
The methods are not accredited
Heterotrophic colony count at 22 ºC on R2A medium
The heterotrophic plate count is determined from water samples using surface plating on R2A agar with an incubation time of 7 days. Owing to the nutrient composition of the R2A medium, which favors microorganisms originating from drinking water, as well as the long incubation period, higher colony counts are obtained compared with those determined according to standard SFSEN ISO 6222:1999.
The method is accredited for drinking water.
Heterotrophic colony count at 22 ºC or at 36 ºC on TH medium
The heterotrophic plate count is determined from water samples in accordance with standard SFSEN ISO 6222:1999 using pour plating on TH agar.
The method is not accredited.
Enhanced analysis of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli in water
Coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli are determined from drinking water, natural waters and wastewater in accordance with standard SFS 3016:2011 and standard SFSEN ISO 93081:2014/A1:2017, using Les Endo agar and the chromogenic Chromocult medium. Typically, 100 ml and 1,000 ml of the sample are filtered onto each medium.
The method is not accredited.
Somatic coliphages
Somatic coliphages are quantified by plaque assay from drinking water and raw waters used for drinking water production in accordance with standards SFSEN ISO 107052:2000 and ISO 107053:2003. Typically, 100 ml of the sample is filtered.
The method is accredited for raw water.
Enhanced analysis of intestinal enterococci in water
Intestinal enterococci are determined from drinking water, natural waters and wastewater in accordance with standard SFSEN ISO 78992:2000. Typically, 100 ml and 1,000 ml of the sample are filtered.
The method is not accredited.
Who we provide the service for
THL analyses the occurrence of indicator microbes in water samples as a service for customers, such as municipalities and waterworks.
What you can expect from us
Preliminary results are reported as soon as they are available. Final results are delivered immediately after confirmation. The turnaround time depends on the analysis and varies between 1–14 days. The test report and invoice are delivered electronically approximately two weeks after the final results are ready.
Pricing
The customer pays both the shipping costs and the analysis costs. Billing information must be provided to THL when placing the analysis order using the order form. The order form must be completed and submitted to the laboratory before the analysis can begin. THL sends the invoice after the test report has been delivered. VAT 25.5% is added to the prices.
| Clostridium perfringens spores and/or vegetative cells | 55,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| F-spesific coliphages | 82,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| Somatic coliphages * | 90,00 € (VAT s 0 %) |
| Heterotrophic colony count at 22 ºC on R2A medium (22 ºC)* | 30,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| Heterotrophic colony count at TH medium (22 ºC) | 30,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| Heterotrophic colony count at TH medium (36 ºC) | 30,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| Enhanced analysis of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli in water | 73,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| Enhanced analysis of intestinal enterococci in water | 41,00 € (VAT 0 %) |
| Large‑volume sampling package (DEUF, materials and handling) | 167.00 € (VAT 0%) |
*The method is accredited according to SFS‑EN ISO 17025:2005.
How to use the service and contact us
- Always arrange sample shipment in advance and inform the laboratory of the expected arrival time in Kuopio.
- Send samples as express parcels so that they arrive the morning after sampling.
- The sender pays both freight and delivery.
Contact details: [email protected]
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