Coliform and E. coli (ECC) Count Plate (Gel-Type)
Catalog No.: 21120 | Brand: FSTest
16–24 hrs Fast Incubation Readout | 1 CFU/g (mL) Indicator Surveillance LOD | 25 Plates Moisture-Barrier Pack | 18 Months Shelf Life (2–10°C) |
The FSTest Coliform and E. coli (ECC) Count Plate (Gel-Type) is a ready-to-use, disposable microbial culture plate engineered for the concurrent enumeration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total coliforms across diverse food matrices.
Formulated with an advanced selective culture medium, dual-enzyme chromogenic substrates, and a proprietary cold-water-soluble absorbent gel, this system supports robust growth of target enterobacteria while effectively inhibiting competing background flora. Specific hydrolytic enzymes produced by E. coli and coliforms cleave their corresponding chromogenic substrates, resulting in distinct visual color differentiation—blue-green colonies for E. coli and purple colonies for general coliforms—in just 16 to 24 hours. By replacing traditional VRBA/BGLB broth preparation, autoclave cycles, and petri dish pouring, it empowers food processors, dairy plants, slaughterhouses, and public hygiene inspection laboratories with an efficient, standardized testing tool.
Simultaneous Dual-Target Enumeration: Differentiates E. coli and total coliforms on a single plate in one incubation step, halving labor, materials, and incubator space requirements.
Fast 16–24 Hour Readout: Delivers verified quantitative counts within 16–24 hours, cutting turnaround time significantly compared to conventional 48-hour agar plating and broth confirmation methods.
Intuitive Dual-Color Chromogenic Discrimination: Target-specific enzymatic indicators produce unmistakable visual identification: E. coli colonies appear as clear blue-green dots, while coliform colonies develop distinct purple dots.
Rapid 10-Second Gel Solidification: Cold-water-soluble absorbent gelling matrix rehydrates and solidifies within approximately 10 seconds of dispensing 1.0 mL sample homogenate.
High Analytical Sensitivity (1 CFU/g or mL LOD): Capable of detecting as low as 1 CFU/g (mL) of sample homogenate, meeting international standards for sanitary indicator surveillance.
Significant Space & Biohazard Waste Savings: Ultra-thin film plate design reduces incubator shelf space and refrigeration footprint by >80% while minimizing hazardous autoclave disposal volume compared to glass or plastic Petri dishes.
Extended Shelf Life & Transport Stability: Safely shipped and stored at room temperature for up to 15 days, followed by stable refrigerated storage at 2–10°C with an 18-month shelf life.
| Product Name | Coliform and E. coli (ECC) Count Plate (Gel-Type) |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 21120 / C8006 |
| Target Microorganisms | Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Total Coliforms |
| Methodology | Dual-Enzyme Chromogenic Cold-Water-Soluble Gel Count Plate |
| Limit of Detection (LOD) | 1 CFU/g (or 1 CFU/mL) |
| Inoculation & Stacking Limit | 1.0 mL per plate (tested in duplicate); Maximum 20 plates per stack in incubator |
| Incubation Parameters | 36 ± 1°C for 16 – 24 hours |
| Counting Range | 15 – 150 CFU per plate |
| Pack Size & Storage | 25 plates / pack; 2–10°C refrigerated (room temperature transit ≤ 15 days permitted) |
| Shelf Life | 18 months sealed; 1 month after opening package (resealed at 2–10°C) |
| Colony Type | Colony Color & Characteristic Features | Diagnostic Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Escherichia coli (E. coli) | Distinct blue-green dots growing on grid | Positive for E. coli |
| General Coliforms | Distinct purple dots growing on grid | Positive for Coliforms |
| Total Coliform Count | Sum of all blue-green colonies PLUS purple colonies | Combined Total Coliform Count |
| Non-Coliform Background Flora | Completely inhibited or atypical colorless/turbid non-target growth | Negative / Suppressed |
Validated across major food industry sectors for sanitary hygiene indicator testing:
STEP 1 Dilution Series Weigh 25 g (or 25 mL) sample into 225 mL sterile saline/PBS (1:10 dilution). Homogenize 1–2 min, then prepare serial 10-fold dilutions (1:100, etc.) as needed. | STEP 2 Inoculate & Press Lift upper film, pipette 1.0 mL homogenate onto center, and lower film without bubbles. Press down gently with spreading plate to spread sample evenly over grid. | STEP 3 10-Sec Gelling Do not lift film after pressing. Let stand undisturbed for ~10 seconds for gel medium to solidify completely. Inoculate duplicate plates for each dilution. | STEP 4 Incubate & Count Stack ≤ 20 plates horizontally (film side up) at 36 ± 1°C for 16–24 hours. Count blue-green dots (E. coli) and purple dots (coliforms) within 15–150 CFU. |
Target Counting Density: Select count plates displaying a moderate colony count between 15 and 150 CFU.
E. coli Quantitative Count: Enumerate blue-green colonies, calculate the average between duplicate plates, and multiply by the dilution factor: CFU/g (mL) = Average Blue-Green Count × Dilution Factor.
Total Coliform Quantitative Count: Enumerate all blue-green colonies AND purple colonies, calculate the average, and multiply by the dilution factor: CFU/g (mL) = Average Combined Count × Dilution Factor.
Final Documentation: Report quantitative findings separately as E. coli CFU/g (mL) and Coliform CFU/g (mL) to satisfy specific regulatory guidelines.
Adhere to strict microbiological safety parameters during routine testing:
Pathogen Awareness & Personal Safety: Food samples and incubated plates may harbor pathogenic enteric strains. Maintain standard microbiological safety practices; wear disposable nitrile gloves, lab coat, and protective eyewear.
Post-Inoculation Handling: Avoid touching or pressing the central circular culture area when placing plates into or removing them from the incubator to protect gel integrity.
Light & UV Protection: Do not expose count plates to direct ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light or direct sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to bright bench lights.
Biohazard Decontamination: All spent count plates containing live microbial cultures must be sterilized by autoclaving at 121°C for 15–20 minutes prior to waste disposal.
Package Components Included: 25 Coliform and E. coli (ECC) Count Plates (Gel-Type, in sealed moisture-barrier pack), User Instruction Manual.
Required Equipment (Not Provided): Stomacher/homogenizer & sterile sampling bags, constant-temperature incubator (36 ± 1°C), sterile saline (0.85% NaCl) or PBS, micropipettes (1000 µL) & sterile tips, pressing plate/spreader, precision balance, and autoclave.
Email: service@fstestcorp.com | Website: www.fstestcorp.com
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