MICROBIO

Microorganisms are the cause of several types of infectious diseases. Because air, food and water are the most common modes of transmission for these organisms, large scale outbreaks are usually associated with any one of these sources (Cryptosporidium outbreak Milwaukee 1996, Eschericia coli spinach outbreak 2006). Lab/Cor offers a variety of analyses to the public in identifying potential contamination.

Eschericia coli


E.coli & Total Coliform Idexx Quanti-Tray
Lab/Cor is certified to test for E. coli through the state of Washington. A list of methods most commonly performed are posted below.
  • E.coli; Absence/ Presence
  • E.coli; Membrane Filtration (mFC)
  • E.coli; Most Probable Number (MPN)
  • E. coli Serotype 0157, ID
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.

Total/ Fecal Coliforms

Coliform bacteria have long been an indicator of the contamination of water and possible presence of intestinal parasites and pathogens. The coliform bacteria are present in much larger numbers than the more dangerous pathogens, and react to the natural environment and treatment processes in a similar manner. Thus by observing coliform bacteria, the increase or decrease of many pathogenic bacteria can also be estimated. The following is a list of coliform tests performed at Lab/Cor:

  • Total Coliform; Absence/ Presence
  • Total Coliform; Most Probable Number (MPN)
  • Fecal Coliform; Membrane Filtration (mFC)
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia


Cryptosporidium & Giardia IFM Mag. 1000x
In addition to other critical optical and electron microscopy services, Lab/Cor has begun testing for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water by Method 1622 or Method 1623 (EPA 815-R05-002). At Lab/Cor, the staff will work with you to determine a sampling plan that's tailored to your needs.

A volume of 10 liters or greater is required for analysis. If located out of state or in a region where shipping bulk is costly, the client has the option of performing onsite filtration using either an Envirochek HV or Filta-Max Xpress filter. Bulk sample collection and onsite sample filtration videos can be viewed online by selecting either of the two filter types listed:

Lab/Cor uses a series of techniques to elute, concentrate and extract the organisms of interest. In doing so, the sample is prepped onto well slides where it is then treated with monoclonal Ab stains designed specifically for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The sample is then analyzed using an Olympus BH2-BHS Immunofluorescent microscope with DIC capability. The unique characteristics of Cryptosporidium and Giardia allow them to be differentiated from non-target organisms and other interfering particulate through the use of immunofluorescence detection.

Additional information and manuals can be acquired through the following links:

For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.

Microscopic Particulate Analysis


Media plates and culture tubes
Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) identifies surface water microorganisms and organic or inorganic debris which influence ground water according to the EPA 'Consensus Method for Determining Ground waters Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water Using Microscopic Particulate Analysis'. The MPA samples are collected by filtering a minimum of 500 gallons of water using a 1 micron (1µm) fiber wound filter over a period of 8-24 hours. The filter is submitted to the laboratory where it is then processed and analyzed using a series of optical microscopy techniques at a magnification between 100X to 1000X.

For more information, visit the following:

  • Groundwater Sources Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water (GWI)
  • Protocol for Determining Groundwater Sources Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.

Heterotrophic Bacteria

Heterotrophic bacteria commonly occur in the environment and are a part of the natural ecological fresh water community. Heterotrophic bacteria are used as indicators of the overall bacteriological quality of a test water. The Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) procedure is a method used to enumerate live heterotrophic bacteria in water. The method can be used to evaluate water quality, monitor changes in water quality over time or throughout a distribution system, or to evaluate water purification and disinfection procedures. Waters which can be tested with HPC include, but are not limited to: Source Water, Distribution System Water, Well Water, Pool Water, Tap Water, and water from Heating Systems.

Lab/Cor is certified with Washington State DOH to perform the following method to detect Heterotrophic Bacteria in water:

  • Heterotrophic Plate Count: Pour Plate Method: SM9215B
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.

Other Microbiological

The microbiological staff at Lab/Cor will be glad to assist you with any microbiological project. Please contact the lab regarding alternative microbiological methods, as many other test methods can easily be made available to clients. Other microbiological services currently offered at Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to:

  • Turbidity, Indexed: EPA 180.1
  • Microbial Limit Testing
  • Bacteria Genera/Species ID
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.