Total Viable Count TVC (Lab Test)

Description

This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of Total Viable Count (TVC / ACC) at 22°C and 37°C for 48 and 72 hours.Potable water is water that is safe enough to be consumed by humans and other animals and is also known as drinking water. The TVC water test is a general bacteria test which looks at the overall number of microorganisms present in the water that are able to grow. This includes bacteria, yeast or mould species. The result offers an indication into the general level of contamination and the overall quality of the water.

Total Viable Counts (TVCs) by Pour Plate: The test for Total Viable Count (TVC) is used to determine the presence of microbiological contamination in potable water samples.  The test identifies the presence of mesophyllic gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. TVC/Aerobic Colony Count is a basic measure of bacterial activity in a water sample. It is possible to interpret the result to indicate potential poor water hygiene issues.

• At 22˚C, the TVC indicates the number of live bacteria per ml of water at ambient temperature, meaning the count is likely to be composed of harmless bacteria.
• At 37˚C, the TVC indicates the number of live bacteria per ml of water at body temperature, the bacteria that grow are more likely to cause some harm to humans.

There is no strict regulation on an acceptable value for TVC in drinking water. The guideline for bacterial levels state that there should be not be a high count of TVC (cfu/ml) and no significant increase from the incoming water supply. Often TVC tests are carried out regularly, so that irregularities (like significant increases) can be identified early.

Arranging a laboratory analysis is very easy and our service includes everything required to carry out this analysis.

• Certified laboratory results in 5 easy steps
• Includes everything required to carry out the test
• Simply collect the water sample and post it to our UKAS accredited laboratory for expert analysis
• Results available within 5-6 days after posting the water sample
• Bulk buy discounts available
• Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry, private water supplies (bore holes, springs, wells), hotels, care homes, healthcare premises, eduction sector, farm premises and property management

Bacterial contamination may not be detected by taste, smell or sight. Floods, human or animal waste, like insects, rodents or animals entering a well can be a cause for bacteria. In the UK, the Water Supply Regulations 2010 (set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate), advises the parameters which are required for the standard of drinking water.

A positive result indicates that your water may be contaminated with bacteria that can be harmful to your health or cause disease. It is strongly recommended to investigate this further and avoid consuming the water during that time.

Suitable for:  Potable water analysis as well as fresh water samples, including water from tanks, taps, wells, springs, boreholes, ponds, as well as rain water.

The kit for laboratory analysis contains:

• Clear step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water sample(s),
• Sample pots to take 1 water sample of 500ml,
• Ice-packs which are to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample,
• Insulated & pre-paid return packaging,
• Analysis by a UKAS accredited laboratory.

How to use:  Once you have ordered on our website, we will send you a water sample bottle, clear instructions as well as a postage box to send the sample for laboratory analysis. Results will be sent per Email (to the Email address used when placing the order) within 10 days of posting the water sample.

• Courier collection is included within your order. To ensure the sample meets UKAS accreditation, you should*:
  • Freeze enclosed ice packs overnight and place in insulated box
  • Take the sample on the same day of the courier collection.
  • Water sample to be returned within 6 weeks of despatch date (unless otherwise agreed).

*If this is not possible, please contact us. Otherwise we might not be able to analyse your sample.

Please note:

• We require a full water sample to be able to perform the tests. Refunds will not be offered where minimum volume of the sample requirements are not met.
• Water samples must be taken the same day they are collected (this is vital for accurate analysis). Any results received outside of the specified holding time will receive a comment on the report to state the results could be compromised. Samples can be taken and posted Monday to Thursday. (For customers from outer Hebrides, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Cornwall: please check in advance to ensure overnight delivery is available in your area, refunds can not be given where services are not available).
• If you are planning to have more than 1 sample analysed, then all samples need to be taken and shipped to us for analysis at the same time. If you are planning on taking the samples at different times and/or places, then please place separate orders so that we can supply the correct amount of insulated packaging and pre-paid postage labels.
• This product requires insulated packaging to prevent the bacterial levels from changing in the post, the insulated packaging is therefore mandatory. Where the insulated packaging includes ice-packs then these need to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample.
• Do not mix more than one sample per bottle; please ensure one sample bottle is used per sample outlet.
• This service is only available for UK customers.
• Failure to comply with the requirements for sample collection might result in a failed analysis of your water sample. We can not refund orders where instructions have not been followed.