Water PT scheme sample instruction sheet
Bottled and Mineral

The final date for return of results is indicated on the accompanying request/report form

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: foodeqa@ukhsa.gov.uk
Results should be returned on-line using the web-based reporting system. Go to: www.phe-eqa.org.uk. You will need your log-in details for this process. Please contact us if you experience problems with the on-line system.

Bottled and Mineral Scheme – Instruction Sheet

Two identical LENTICULE® discs are provided for each sample to ensure there is sufficient test material. This means that the total amount of reconstituted material available is 2 L per sample.

The LENTICULE discs are provided in screw-cap plastic vials (with a desiccant). Each LENTICULE disc rests on the filter support containing the desiccant. The desiccant should be orange in colour. Please contact us if this is not the case. Each LENTICULE disc requires reconstitution by a process of rehydration and dispersion prior to examination, as described below.

Refer also to the Safety Data Sheet: Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE

For a video on sample processing: Processing samples - Bottled and Mineral Water

Storage:

  • Store the samples at –20 ± 5ºC on receipt.
  • Allow each LENTICULE disc to reach ambient temperature (5 - 10 minutes) before reconstituting in diluent.

Reconstitution:

  • Open the sample container and transfer the LENTICULE disc into approximately 9mL 0.1% peptone saline (maximum recovery diluent (MRD)) that has been allowed to reach ambient temperature.
  • Leave to stand at ambient temperature for 10 - 12 minutes to rehydrate.
  • Tighten the cap of the bottle and shake to disperse the micro-organisms.
  • Transfer all the inoculated MRD to a sample bottle containing 1L sterile deionised or distilled water at ambient temperature.
  • Rinse with approximately 2mL from the sample bottle, ensuring all liquid is transferred back to the 1L sample.
  • Disperse the inoculum by inverting approximately 30 times.

Examination:

  • Each reconstituted sample is equivalent to 1L water.
  • Undertake the sample examinations between 30 - 45 minutes after reconstitution.
  • Examine in accordance with your routine procedures.

Return of Results:

  • Return your results on-line using the web-based reporting system.
  • The distribution will be closed on the deadline date for return of results.
  • Results cannot be accepted after the distribution has closed.