Roth R-Card (Enterococci)
Sampling
- Rinse the sample cup 3 times
- Collect the sample 15cm below the surface, or as deep as possible without including sediment.
- Fill the syringe to the 1mL mark (tap out any air bubbles!).
- Gently lift the film and squirt water onto the card.
- Roll the film down onto the sample, allowing the water to spread into a circular pattern between the film and the card. The water should be within the area of the top film but doesn’t need to cover the entire area. DO NOT press the film down… allow it to spread.
- Repeat for each of the three cards for one location using the same sample.
- Allow the R-Cards to seal (1-2 minutes) then place into the bag and seal.
Processing
- Keep the cards out of direct sunlight and keep cool. Use a cool pack if it’s warm weather but DON’T put the cards on ice.
- Switch on the Incubator and allow it 20 minutes to warm up to 35 °C .
- Cards should be placed in the incubator within 3 hours of collection.
- Incubate the cards for 24 hours before counting the colonies.
- Average the result for the three cards, then multiply by 100 to report Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100mL.