COLIKAT RAPID rapid test is a fast and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli in water samples, with results in about 18 hours. This enables your laboratory to evaluate samples the next morning and significantly shorten the time from sampling to decision.

Faster water quality testing – without changing your core method

COLIKAT RAPID follows the same principle as established MPN-based methods according to EN ISO 9308‑2 and is suitable for both presence/absence and quantitative testing of E. coli and total coliforms in 100 ml water samples. You can continue using existing enumeration trays and sealing equipment, which makes the transition straightforward in day-to-day work.

With a standard incubation of 18 hours at 36 °C ± 2 °C, you obtain clear, easy-to-read results by the next working day.

Why choose COLIKAT RAPID in your lab?

Overnight workflow – predictable turnaround
For presence/absence testing, you add COLIKAT RAPID to a 100 ml water sample, incubate for 18 hours and then read the colour and fluorescence. For quantitative testing, you use an enumeration tray and the MPN table in the EN ISO 9308‑2 appendix. This creates a predictable overnight workflow and reduces bottlenecks in sample logistics.

Higher recovery for E. coli
Independent comparative work has shown COLIKAT RAPID to provide significantly higher recovery of E. coli while being equivalent to reference methods for total coliform bacteria. In practice, this means better detection of the most critical indicator organism without inflating coliform counts.

Fewer false positives and unnecessary re-tests
The test principle uses the enzyme activities β-galactosidase (coliforms) and β-glucuronidase (E. coli) in combination with selective supplements. This reduces the risk of false positive results and inhibits non-target organisms that otherwise might interfere with the growth of E. coli and coliform bacteria.

Practical handling and less waste
COLIKAT RAPID is supplied as a powder that dissolves quickly in the sample and does not require antifoam for the vast majority of water samples. The compact packaging saves more than 80 % in storage and waste volume compared with bulky reagents.

Test principle in brief

• For presence/absence testing, COLIKAT RAPID is added to 100 ml of water and incubated for 18 hours at 36 °C ± 2 °C. If the sample turns yellow, coliforms are present; if the yellow sample also fluoresces under UV light, E. coli is present.
• For quantitative testing, the incubated 100 ml sample is poured into a COLIKAT Enumeration Tray, sealed and incubated. Yellow wells represent coliforms, and yellow fluorescent wells represent Escherichia coli. The counts are converted to CFU using the MPN table in EN ISO 9308‑2.

The medium is nutrient-poor for non-target organisms and contains inhibitors that restrict the growth of heterotrophic bacteria that could otherwise interfere with the indicator reactions.

Technical key points

• Simultaneous detection and quantification of E. coli and total coliform bacteria in 100 ml water samples.
• Method compliant with EN ISO 9308‑2, suitable for drinking water and other water matrices.
• Incubation: typically 18–20 hours at 36 °C ± 2 °C, depending on the selected application.
• Storage: 2–30 °C, protected from light, with a typical shelf life of 12 months.

Detailed product data, batch specifications and safety information are available from Xebios Diagnostics and Berner Lab.

COLIKAT RAPID from Berner Lab

Berner Lab is Xebios’ local partner and supplies COLIKAT RAPID together with compatible enumeration trays, bottles and sealing equipment.

We can support you with:

• Selecting the right COLIKAT RAPID kit and accessories for your current set-up
• Introducing the test into existing EN ISO 9308‑2 workflows, including comparison against your current method
• Ongoing support and ordering assistance through Berner Lab’s customer service and product specialists

Frequently asked questions about COLIKAT RAPID

How fast are results available with COLIKAT RAPID?

You typically obtain results in about 18 hours from the start of incubation, for both presence/absence and quantitative analysis.

Do we need to change our equipment to switch to COLIKAT RAPID?

No. COLIKAT RAPID is designed according to EN ISO 9308‑2 and can be used with existing enumeration trays and sealing systems, which makes the changeover straightforward.

How does COLIKAT RAPID differ from traditional CCA-based methods?

COLIKAT RAPID uses the indicator substrates ONPG and MUG combined with selective supplements. This reduces false positives and limits the growth of non-target organisms that might otherwise overgrow or inhibit E. coli and coliform bacteria.

Is COLIKAT RAPID acceptable for regulatory use?

The test is fully compliant with EN ISO 9308‑2 and therefore suitable for many regulatory contexts where this standard is referenced in national legislation or guidelines.

Want to compare COLIKAT RAPID with your current method?

Contact Berner Lab to discuss evaluation of COLIKAT RAPID in your laboratory and how to implement it smoothly in your existing workflow.