Colitag
Colitag™
Colitag™ is a presence/absence and MPN enzyme substrate test that provides 16-48 hour total coliform & E. coli determinations and detects 1 MPN of total coliform or E. coli bacteria per 100mL water sample. Colitag™ is relied upon by laboratories in more than 24 countries. Aside from the Colitag™ Test Media, CPI International also offers Coliform Sample Vessels and Microbial Testing Accessories.
For inquiries and assistance, you can reach us at 1 800-878-7654 (Toll Free), 707-525-5788 (Local) or email Sales@CPIInternational.com.
Lower Your
Cost Per Test
Curated for Frugal Managers in Environmental Labs
Lowest Price Available
for Colitag™ Test Kits
Late Order
Cutoff Time
US EPA Approved
Colitag™ is a presence/absence and MPN enzyme substrate test that provides 16-48 hour total coliform & E. coli determinations and detects 1 MPN of total coliform or E. coli bacteria per 100mL water sample. Coitag™ is relied upon by laboratories in the USA and internationally.
Run it when you're ready. Read it when you're ready.
Colitag™ offers unrivaled flexibility in the market, allowing you to use one test instead of three to read your samples at any time within 16-48 hours. Eliminate the need to buy three separate tests to get the job done on your own time.
Improve Laboratory Efficiency.
Colitag™’s bright blue fluorescence indicating a positive E. coli sample eliminates the need for time-consuming confirmations created by media that emits a less-intense fluorescence. This teamed with the flexible reading window allows you to streamline your lab processes.
Colitag™ test kits - Fast E.coli test results with less work in a shorter time
Ensuring water safety is a critical task for environmental laboratories, municipal water facilities, and industrial manufacturers. Detecting the presence of E. coli bacteria, a common indicator of water contamination, is a key component of water quality testing. Colitag is a high-efficiency E. coli test kit designed to streamline and simplify this process, reducing the total time and effort required for accurate testing.
Colitag™ stands out by combining multiple testing capabilities into a single, easy-to-use kit. It performs the work of three separate tests, significantly reducing the amount of work and time involved in E. coli detection. As a presence/absence and Most Probable Number (MPN) enzyme substrate test, Colitag delivers reliable results within a flexible 16-48 hour timeframe. This versatility allows laboratories to integrate testing into their schedules more efficiently, without the need for additional tests or confirmatory procedures.
With EPA approval and usage in over 24 countries, Colitag has proven its effectiveness and reliability in a wide range of applications. Whether you are testing drinking water, environmental water such as lakes, rivers, swamps, or wastewater, Colitag provides a comprehensive solution that saves time, reduces workload, and ensures accurate results.
What is Colitag™?
Colitag™ is a highly efficient E. coli test kit designed to simplify and streamline the process of detecting coliform bacteria in water samples. As a presence/absence and Most Probable Number (MPN) enzyme substrate test, Colitag provides reliable and accurate results for both total coliforms and E. coli bacteria, making it an indispensable tool for water quality testing in various settings.
How Colitag™ Works
Colitag™ uses a dual-action testing method to detect coliform bacteria:
1. Presence/absence testing
This method determines if coliform bacteria are present in the water sample. If coliforms are present, Colitag will trigger a color change, indicating contamination.
2. Most probable number (MPN) Testing
This method determines if coliform bacteria are present in the water sample. If coliforms are present, Colitag will trigger a color change, indicating contamination.
EPA approval and international usage
Colitag™ is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring it meets stringent standards for water quality testing. This approval highlights Colitag's reliability and accuracy in detecting coliform bacteria. In addition to its EPA approval, Colitag is used by laboratories in over 24 countries worldwide, further establishing its reputation as a trusted and effective water testing solution.
Key features of Colitag™
Flexibility
One of Colitag's standout features is its flexible incubation period. Users can read results at any time within a 16-48 hour window, allowing for more convenient scheduling of tests.
Efficiency
Colitag's bright blue fluorescence indicating a positive E. coli sample eliminates the need for time-consuming confirmations, which are often required with other media that emit less intense fluorescence.
Cost-effectiveness
By using Colitag, laboratories can reduce the number of separate tests needed, as it combines multiple testing capabilities into a single, comprehensive kit. This helps lower the overall cost per test.
Why high-performing labs choose Colitag
Colitag offers numerous advantages that make it a superior choice for E. coli and total coliform testing. Its innovative design, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness help laboratories streamline their processes and improve their overall efficiency.
Quick results
One of Colitag's most notable benefits is its flexible incubation period. The test can be read at any time within a 16-48 hour window, providing laboratories with the ability to schedule tests according to their workflow. This flexibility ensures that results can be obtained when they are most needed, without being tied to a strict testing schedule.
Fewer total tests with greater throughput in the lab
Colitag enhances laboratory efficiency in several ways
Bright blue fluorescence
A positive E. coli sample is indicated by bright blue fluorescence, making it easy to identify without the need for additional confirmation tests. This reduces the time and effort required to confirm results, allowing for quicker decision-making and action.
Simplified testing process
By combining presence/absence testing with MPN testing in a single kit, Colitag eliminates the need for multiple tests. This streamlines the testing process, saving valuable time and resources.
Reduced cost per test
Colitag is designed to be a cost-effective solution for water quality testing:
Reduced test costs
With Colitag, laboratories only need one test to achieve what would normally require multiple tests. This consolidation helps reduce the overall cost per test, making it a budget-friendly option.
Lower administrative burden
The simplified testing process and reduced need for multiple confirmations means that laboratory staff can focus on other important tasks, increasing overall productivity and reducing labor costs.
Comparison
Colitag vs. Colilert
When it comes to E. coli and total coliform testing, both Colitag and Colilert are popular choices among laboratories. However, there are key differences between the two that can make Colitag the more advantageous option for many testing scenarios.
Flexibility and convenience
Colitag
Incubation period
Offers a flexible incubation period of 16-48 hours. This means you can start the test and read the results at any point within this window, providing greater convenience and adaptability to your lab’s schedule.
Read anytime
The ability to read results at any time within the incubation window reduces the pressure to adhere to a strict timeline, allowing for more efficient lab management.
Colilert
Incubation period
Typically requires a more rigid incubation period, often around 24 hours, which can limit flexibility in scheduling and result reading.
Timing constraints
The more rigid timing can sometimes create bottlenecks in laboratory workflows, particularly in high-throughput environments.
Cost-effectiveness
Colitag
Lower cost per test
By combining multiple testing capabilities into a single kit, Colitag reduces the overall cost per test, making it a more economical choice for many laboratories.
Reduced need for confirmations
The bright blue fluorescence minimizes the need for additional confirmatory tests, further reducing costs and saving time.
Colilert
Higher costs
The need for separate tests and potential additional confirmatory steps can increase the overall cost of using Colilert.
Increased labor costs
The more complex interpretation and additional testing requirements can lead to higher labor costs over time.
Regulatory compliance
Colitag
EPA approval
Colitag is EPA-approved and used in over 24 countries, ensuring it meets stringent regulatory standards for water quality testing.
Colilert
EPA Approval
Colilert is also EPA-approved, widely used, and trusted for water quality testing.
While both Colitag and Colilert are effective for detecting E. coli and coliform bacteria, Colitag offers several distinct advantages in terms of flexibility, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. Its flexible incubation period, bright blue fluorescence for easy result interpretation, and combined testing capabilities make it an ideal choice for laboratories looking to optimize their water quality testing processes.
Using Colitag for E.coli testing and other important product details
Understanding the components and proper use of the Colitag water test kit is essential for achieving accurate and reliable results. This section provides detailed information about the Colitag product, including its components, usage instructions, and storage guidelines.
Components of the Colitag water test kit
The Colitag water test kit includes everything needed to perform efficient and accurate E. coli and total coliform testing:
Colitag test media
The primary reagent used in the presence/absence and MPN testing process.
Coliform sample vessels
Sterile containers for collecting and handling water samples.
Microbial testing accessories
Additional tools and materials to facilitate the testing process.
How to use Colitag for e.coli testing
Using Colitag is straightforward, but following the proper procedures ensures the most accurate results:
1. Sample collection
- Collect the water sample in a sterile coliform sample vessel.
- Ensure the sample volume is appropriate for the test, typically 100 mL.
2. Adding Colitag test media
- Add the Colitag test media to the collected water sample.
- Cap the vessel and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the test media.
3. Incubation
- Incubate the sample at 35°C (95°F) for a flexible period of 16-48 hours.
- During incubation, Colitag’s enzymatic substrate reacts with any coliform bacteria present in the sample.
4. Reading results
- After the incubation period, observe the sample under UV light to detect fluorescence.
- Positive result: Bright blue fluorescence indicates the presence of E. coli.
- Negative result: Lack of fluorescence indicates no detectable E. coli.
5. MPN determination
- For quantitative results, refer to the MPN chart provided with the kit.
- Compare the observed fluorescence to the chart to determine the most probable number of coliform bacteria in the sample.
Storage and shelf life
Proper storage of Colitag ensures its effectiveness and longevity:
Storage conditions
Store Colitag test media and accessories in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Shelf life
Colitag test media has a shelf life of up to 12 months when stored under recommended conditions. Always check the expiration date before use to ensure the reagent's effectiveness.
Handling and Safety
Safety precautions
Handle all samples and test media using appropriate laboratory safety protocols. Wear gloves, lab coats, and eye protection as needed.
Disposal
Dispose of used test media and sample vessels according to local regulations for biohazardous materials.
The most common Colitag applications where labs can turn tests around quicker and increase profitability
Colitag's versatility makes it an essential tool for various water testing applications. Laboratories across different sectors rely on Colitag for its efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in detecting E. coli and total coliform bacteria.
Environmental labs
Environmental laboratories use Colitag to monitor and analyze natural water sources, including lakes, rivers, and swamps. By detecting coliform bacteria, these labs can assess the safety and quality of water, ensuring it meets environmental standards and regulations. Colitag's ability to provide rapid and reliable results helps environmental scientists make informed decisions about water safety and contamination levels.
Drinking water testing
Ensuring the safety of drinking water is crucial for public health. Colitag is widely used by municipal water facilities and private companies to test drinking water for the presence of E. coli and total coliform bacteria. Its EPA approval and high accuracy make it a trusted choice for maintaining safe drinking water supplies. Colitag's flexible reading window allows for efficient testing and timely reporting, ensuring that any contamination is quickly identified and addressed.
Wastewater testing
In wastewater treatment plants, monitoring bacterial contamination is essential to ensure that treated water meets safety standards before being released into the environment. Colitag's ability to detect coliform bacteria in wastewater helps facilities manage contamination effectively and comply with regulatory requirements. The test kit's streamlined process and clear results contribute to efficient wastewater management and public health protection.
Industrial water testing
Industries that use water in their processes, such as food and beverage manufacturing, often require rigorous testing to ensure water quality. Colitag is used in these settings to detect coliform bacteria, ensuring that water used in production processes is safe and free from harmful contaminants. The ease of use and cost-effectiveness of Colitag make it an ideal solution for industrial water testing needs.
Recreational water testing
Public swimming pools, spas, and recreational water parks must regularly test their water to ensure it is safe for use. Colitag provides a reliable method for detecting E. coli and total coliform bacteria, helping facility managers maintain high standards of water quality. The quick and accurate results offered by Colitag allow for prompt action to be taken in the event of contamination, ensuring the safety of recreational water users.
FAQs about Colitag E. coli test kits
To help you get the most out of your Colitag water test kit, here are some frequently asked questions:
Q: How long does it take to get results from a Colitag test?
A: Colitag offers a flexible incubation period, allowing results to be read anytime within 16-48 hours.
Q: Is Colitag EPA approved?
A: Yes, Colitag is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring it meets stringent standards for water quality testing.
Q: Can Colitag be used for both presence/absence and quantitative testing?
A: Yes, Colitag combines presence/absence testing with Most Probable Number (MPN) testing, providing both qualitative and quantitative results in one test kit.
Q: What types of water can be tested using Colitag?
A: Colitag is versatile and can be used to test drinking water, environmental water (such as lakes, rivers, and swamps), wastewater, and industrial water.
Q: How should Colitag test media be stored?
A: Colitag test media should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, to ensure its effectiveness and longevity.
Ordering your Colitag E. coli test kits
Colitag water test kits are in stock and ready to ship today. To place an order, simply add the product to your cart or contact our sales team for assistance. For ongoing testing needs, consider a subscription to ensure a regular supply of test kits without the hassle of reordering.
Secure your Colitag E. coli test kit today.
Request a quote for large orders
Contact us via email or phone to get a quote tailored to your needs
Ensure a consistent supply with our subscription service.
Choose Colitag for reliable E. coli testing
Colitag provides a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective solution for detecting E. coli and total coliform bacteria in various water sources. Its EPA approval, ease of use, and reliable results make it an ideal choice for laboratories committed to ensuring quick, accurate results when testing water safety and quality. Whether for environmental, drinking water, wastewater, or industrial applications, Colitag delivers the performance and efficiency needed to meet rigorous testing standards and reduce the time spent on every test.