How Bactiquick Works
The water sample is combined with a cutting-edge chemical developed exclusively for our product range. The Bactiquick device heats the sample to 37°C for 13 minutes. During this time, the device detects Gram-negative bacteria through a colour change reaction. The colour produced is converted into an electrical signal - the more colour produced, the higher the concentration of bacteria in the water, and the greater the risk to your health.
The results are displayed with a simple traffic light system:
GREEN: Low levels of bacteria – low risk
ORANGE: Moderate concentration of bacteria – medium risk
RED: High concentration of bacteria – high risk
These align with the Environment Agency’s bathing water classifications. Read more about how we classify the risk levels in our FAQS
HOW TO USE IT
STEP 1:
Collect a small water sample from the area where you’re about to swim, paddle, dip, or surf
STEP 2:
Dilute the sample in a pre-filled mixing tube
Step 3:
Combine the diluted sample with our patented test formula and insert it into the Bactiquick device
STEP 4:
Wait 13 minutes for clear, easy-to-read results
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Bactiquick uses advanced microbiological detection technology to identify bacteria in water. Our method focuses on endotoxin - a molecule found in all Gram-negative bacteria. These include several pathogenic types of bacteria which can cause serious infections in humans including gastroenteritis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and meningitis. And with increasing antibiotic resistance, exposure to these bacteria is becoming even more of a risk.
Endotoxins indicate the presence of Gram-negative bacteria, meaning Bactiquick detects not just E.coli but also other bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and Leptospira, all of which can pose serious health risks.
Validated and Trusted Science
Our method has been rigorously tested by independent validators Campden BRI.
The scientific mechanism behind Bactiquick was developed at the University of Plymouth and the methodology has been published in
peer-reviewed journals including the International Journal of Environmental
Research & Public Health, Water and the Journal of Water & Health.
Our flagship test device, Bacterisk (the industrial version of Bactiquick) is already in use by water companies across the UK as well as internationally, proving its reliability and effectiveness.
