We Can Now Record E. Coli Test Results Within Two Hours, Instead of 24
We are excited to announce yet another enhancement to our laboratory capabilities, with the addition of a Tecta B16 by IDEXX instrument, which was made possible through the generous support of Clearview Energy.This new state of the art lab gear is EPA-approved for the detection of E. coli and total coliforms in drinking water, ocean water, and wastewater.
If you’ve ever seen us in our little red truck over the summer, we’re most likely out testing different areas around Blue Hill and Surry. We test various coastlines for the presence of a bacteria called Enterococcus. Our traditional IDEXX tests provide results 24 hours after the water samples are collected. Now, with the Tecta B16, we can set our sights on expediting this to provide faster results to the public. Positive test results can be recorded within 2 hours instead of 24 hours if the sample is severely contaminated.
These faster results will allow us to inform the community on where to swim and where to be a little more cautious while they are still at the beach instead of receiving an update the next day. The Tecta B16 was used in a study to calculate fecal bacteria levels in the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma in 2017, which is becoming more relevant to the scientific world after the two most recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, this year.
The Tecta B16 will let the Shaw Institute expand our tests to not only Enterococci bacteria but also total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli in our drinking water and local waterways. With a broader testing ability, this instrument gives us the opportunity to be much more exploratory and experimental regarding bacteria levels throughout the Blue Hill/Surry area. For example, we can start to look at tracing wastewater runoff and storm drains as anecdotal data that may support higher levels of fecal coliforms.
“I’m so grateful to Clearview Energy for this donation,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, the Shaw Institute’s Executive Director and Senior Research Scientist. “It puts us in a position to provide more services to the community and alert them when beach conditions are unsafe. A real game changer for public health in our community.”
What is the difference between Enterococci, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli?
- Enterococci: bacteria that can be found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. When in water, enterococci is an indicator of fecal contamination, and thus, the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria and/or viruses.
- Total coliform: a group of bacteria that are found in soil and water that has been influenced by surface water and/or human and animal waste. The EPA has a set health standard of zero total coliforms in drinking water.
- Fecal coliform: a type of total coliform that mostly exists in feces and the gut of warm-blooded animals. Typically a more accurate indicator of human or animal waste than total coliform.
- E. coli: a bacteria that is a subgroup of fecal coliform and is found in the intestines of mammals. The presence of E. coli is a sign of fecal or sewage contamination. Drinking higher concentrations can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and other negative symptoms.
To learn more about how the Tecta B16 works, visit the IDEXX website or contact us via email at info@shawinstitute.org. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Clearview Energy for their generous donation to support the purchase of the instrument. We and the Blue Hill community are grateful.
