Presence/ Absence Detection of E. coli and Coliforms on Surfaces

SwabSURE E.coli & Coliform is a rapid, colour-change detection kit designed for the presumptive identification of E. coli and Coliforms on food-contact and environmental surfaces in food processing and manufacturing environments. Routine surface testing for indicator organisms is a key part of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and supports compliance with HACCP hygiene verification programs.

 

Key Features

• Ready-to-use self-contained kit—no media preparation required.
• Rapid results within 18–48 hours (typically 18–24 h under normal conditions).
• Colour-coded chromogenic response: Turquoise = E. coli, Pink/Mauve = Coliforms, Dark Blue/Purple = Both present.
• Highly sensitive (<1 cfu/cm²) and specific.
• Pre-moistened swab enhances recovery even from dry surfaces.
• Neutralising buffer inactivates common detergents and sanitisers (QACs, peroxides, chlorines, amphoterics).
• Complies with ISO 18593:2018 for surface sampling.
• 12-month shelf life at ambient temperature.
• Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 certified system.

 

Kit Components

• Pre-moistened swab with break-point shaft and neutralising buffer to optimise microorganism recovery.
• Chromogenic detection medium that differentiates E. coli and Coliforms by colour change.

 

Test Procedure (Summary)

1. Identify sampling site – use a sampling template (TS/15-T) where applicable.
2. Open swab tube by breaking the security seal; avoid touching the swab tip.
3. Swab area, 10x10cmin three planes (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) while rotating swab.
4. Replace swab into its tube if testing is delayed (store 4–8 °C ≤ 24 h).
5. Immediate test – insert swab into detection tube to breakpoint, then reseal.
6. Incubate vertically at 36 ± 1 °C for 18–24 h, up to 48 h if frequent sanitising occurs.
7. Read results: E. coli → turquoise; Coliforms → pink/mauve; Mixed → dark blue/purple.
8. Confirm (optional) – subculture positive liquid onto tryptone Soya Agar, VRBA, or chromogenic agar; confirm via Kovac’s reagent, PCR, or biochemical test strips.

 

Applications

• Environmental monitoring and hygiene verification (HACCP, TACCP).
• Routine sanitation and cleaning validation.
• Food-contact surface surveillance in production areas.
• Rapid verification of cleaning efficacy during routine audits.

 

Performance & Compliance

• ISO 18593:2018 compliant when used with template TS/15-T40.
• Neutralising buffer validated against QACs, peroxides, phenolics, chlorines, and amphoterics.
• Suitable for E. coli and Coliform enumeration screening prior to confirmatory culture or PCR methods.

 

Interpretation Guide

 

Result                                    Colour                       Interpretation

Positive – E. coli                     Turquoise                      E. coli detected

Positive – Coliforms              Pink/Mauve                 Coliforms detected

Positive – Mixed                    Dark Blue/Purple       E. coli and Coliforms detected

Negative                                  Pale Straw                    No E. coli / Coliforms detected

 

Ordering Information

Stock Code                 Description                                                                  Pack Size

TSC-SSL04-25              SwabSURE E.coli & Coliform Detection Kit                     25

TSC-SSL04                    SwabSURE E.coli & Coliform Detection Kit                    100