Rapid single-tube confirmatory test for Escherichia coli

A single-tube confirmatory test that allows a result to be obtained in 4 h has been developed from the single-tube confirmatory test recommended by the Joint Committee of the Public Health Laboratory Service and the Standing Committee of Analysts (PHLS/SCA, 1980). A variety of river, lake and reservoir samples were examined for the presence of E. coli using either most probable number (MPN) or membrane filtration (MF) technique, and the PHLS/SCA recommended confirmatory medium (LTMB) was evaluated against traditional methods. To improve the performance of LTMB, the medium was modified and this modified medium when used in 0·1 ml volumes and incubated for 4 h at 44°C provided 99% agreement with traditional methods.