How it works
AquaVial EX uses a chromogenic β-galactosidase substrate selective for total coliform bacteria. When coliforms are present, they cleave the substrate and produce a visible color change in the vial — no plating, no membrane filtration. Sensitivity is tunable by sample volume (Standard 1 CFU/mL · Sensitive 1 CFU/10 mL · Very Sensitive 1 CFU/100 mL).
Collect 1-5 mL water sample for testing and add it to test vial
Incubate
Break the ampoule and wait 15 minutes for color change
Read result by visible color change; act on positive results
Sensitivity matrix
Detection limits
Comparison
vs. traditional lab testing
Membrane filtration lab culture (ISO 9308-1 / Standard Methods 9221)
Off-site, multi-day turnaround. Requires lab account, membrane filtration manifold, and qualified microbiology technician. Per-test cost from $40–$120 plus shipping.
On-site, same-day result
On-site, no sample shipping. Result in hours, not the 24-48h+ lab turnaround. No incubator or microbiology lab required for standalone kits.
Detection chemistry
How it detects
β-galactosidase
Detects coliforms through enzyme-mediated color change. Galactosidase activity hydrolyzes the chromogenic substrate, producing a visible color shift proportional to bacterial concentration.
Regulatory & standards
Compliance references
- ISO 9308-1:2014
