SwabSURE E. coli & Coliforms is a direct chromogenic test designed for the presumptive detection of E. coli and lactose-positive coliforms on food contact surfaces, equipment, and within manufacturing environments where regular disinfection is practiced.
The test delivers clear visual results using a built-in color change system. Each kit includes a 45mm breakpoint foam swab, pre-moistened with TSC Neutralising Buffer, ensuring optimal sample collection and microorganism recovery. The method is ISO 18593:2018 compliant when used with a sampling template (e.g., TS/15-T40).
Color Interpretation
E. coli only: Turquoise/green to blue-purple
Coliforms only: Pink/mauve
E. coli confirmation: Add 2–3 drops of Kovacs or Ehrlich reagent to produce a red ring (see IFU for details)
Microbial Selectivity
The medium inhibits/suppresses background flora such as:
Staphylococci
Bacillus spp.
Enterococcus spp.
Micrococcus spp.
Note: Neutralising swabs are included in the kit and also sold separately (TS/6-61BP250).
Recommended Use
Food contact surfaces
Food preparation equipment
Environmental sampling
Ideal For
Detecting E. coli and coliforms in hygiene-sensitive environments
Supporting GMP and HACCP compliance
Complementing confirmatory testing per ISO 16649-3
Known Limitations
Screening only – All positives should be confirmed by standard or molecular methods.
Not for direct food contact – discard swabs after use.
Not validated on uncleaned surfaces – may yield false or unclear results.
Negative results do not confirm absence. Possible reasons include:
Inadequate neutralisation
Low organism levels
Damaged or non-viable cells
Shigella spp. may mimic E. coli color change but are indole-negative and will not produce a red ring with Kovacs/Ehrlich. Presence should still prompt investigation.
Product Details
Shelf Life: 12 months (check expiry on label)
Storage:
Kit: 2–8°C
Swabs: 4–25°C
Sterilisation:
Media: Autoclaved
Swab: Gamma irradiated (terminal sterilisation)
The test delivers clear visual results using a built-in color change system. Each kit includes a 45mm breakpoint foam swab, pre-moistened with TSC Neutralising Buffer, ensuring optimal sample collection and microorganism recovery. The method is ISO 18593:2018 compliant when used with a sampling template (e.g., TS/15-T40).
Color Interpretation
E. coli only: Turquoise/green to blue-purple
Coliforms only: Pink/mauve
E. coli confirmation: Add 2–3 drops of Kovacs or Ehrlich reagent to produce a red ring (see IFU for details)
Microbial Selectivity
The medium inhibits/suppresses background flora such as:
Staphylococci
Bacillus spp.
Enterococcus spp.
Micrococcus spp.
Note: Neutralising swabs are included in the kit and also sold separately (TS/6-61BP250).
Recommended Use
Food contact surfaces
Food preparation equipment
Environmental sampling
Ideal For
Detecting E. coli and coliforms in hygiene-sensitive environments
Supporting GMP and HACCP compliance
Complementing confirmatory testing per ISO 16649-3
Known Limitations
Screening only – All positives should be confirmed by standard or molecular methods.
Not for direct food contact – discard swabs after use.
Not validated on uncleaned surfaces – may yield false or unclear results.
Negative results do not confirm absence. Possible reasons include:
Inadequate neutralisation
Low organism levels
Damaged or non-viable cells
Shigella spp. may mimic E. coli color change but are indole-negative and will not produce a red ring with Kovacs/Ehrlich. Presence should still prompt investigation.
Product Details
Shelf Life: 12 months (check expiry on label)
Storage:
Kit: 2–8°C
Swabs: 4–25°C
Sterilisation:
Media: Autoclaved
Swab: Gamma irradiated (terminal sterilisation)
