We have installed separate water reservoirs in our clinic and now wish to perform periodic quality assurance testing. The microbiology laboratory wants to know what test to perform. The standard test for this application is called a Heterotrophic Plate Count . To perform this assay, aseptically collect a pooled sample of approximately 100mL from all water carrying lines in a sterile specimen cup and transport it as quickly as possible to the laboratory. Best results are obtained when the lab uses spread plates or a membrane filter method incubated at 25o C for 5-7 days.
Spot testing on a random basis is a cost effective way to encourage compliance.
There is usually no need to test all units on a weekly basis. DIS is evaluating an economical commercial test kit currently used to test reverse osmosis water used for kidney dialysis. We are using a commercial polyethylene film barrier to cover our slow speed motors. Most of our clinicians find it to be awkward to use. To provide complete protection however, you may still need to use a tube sleeve in conjunction with these products.