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Procedural Steps:

We now have a new page dedicated entirely to testing procedures using our test strips. Feel free to browse through the sections below or use the bookmark links above to quickly locate the section(s) you need assistance with. Once you are finished, simply close the window to return back to our website.

Note: These directions are not a substitute for proper initial training on our test strips. To arrange a training session at your facility, please contact us during business hours and ask to speak with our Training Coordinator.


	1.	Fill a sample vial with 1 ml (milliliter) of Sample Buffer.
	1.	* The first mark from the bottom = 0.10 ml. * Each subsequent mark represents a 0.25 ml increment.
	2.	Samples to be tested should be collected onto an applicator swab.
	2.	* It may be necessary to slightly dampen the swab with Sample Buffer for dry samples by placing it in the vial and rotating it.

	3.	Swipe the area to be tested.
	3.	* If sample is small, rotate the swab tip to ensure exposure to the entire surface containing the sample.


	1.	Add BUFFER to EMPTY vial.
		* Remember to add the buffer solution to the vial prior to inserting the sample. This is absolutely vital for preventing cross-contamination and, ultimately, inaccurate results.
	2.	Place the applicator tip of the swab into the sample vial with Sample Buffer.
		* Mix sample and buffer solution for 10 seconds by rotating the tip of the swab.
	3.	Before removing swab, rotate the tip along the inside of the vial to remove excess liquid.
		* Close the cap on the vial & agitate vigorously. Allow any large particles to settle to the bottom (15 - 30 seconds). Note that there may be no material settling to the bottom, as your sample material might be totally soluble.

1. Check the pH value of the sample.

* Using pH test strips, check the pH of the sample to make sure it is within the range of 4 - 10.

* If the sample is in range, proceed to dose the test strip. If it is not in range prepare a 1:4 dilution (1 part sample to 4 parts buffer.)

2. Dose the test strip.

* Using the disposable bulb dropper, remove liquid from the vial (below any foam and above settled particulates).

* Transfer 5 drops into the sample port of the test strip. Write the dosing time on the test strip.

* Wait 15 minutes before reading!!!

3. Ascertain the time before reading the strip.

* You must wait a minimum of 15 minutes and no longer than 25 minutes in evaluating the test strip.

* Emphasis:

Do NOT read the test strip after 25 minutes (or more) have passed. All results read after 25 minutes are not valid, and the testing procedure must be run again.

IMPORTANT: Dilutions on Toxin Tests

* Toxin tests are extremely sensitive.

* Run a 2nd test at a 1:40 dilution to ensure against oversampling!

* Procedure:

- Add one drop of original sample to 1 ml of buffer.

- Dose all toxin strips with this 1:40 dilution.

- Wait the required 15 minutes & evaluate.

Follow these directions when running a test on a liquid sample:

Fill the sample vial with 0.5 ml of Sample Buffer (0.5 mark on the vial). *

Add the unknown liquid to the Sample Buffer in the sample vial, up to the 1.0 mark on the vial. *

Close the cap on the vial & agitate vigorously. *

Using the disposable bulb dropper remove the liquid from the sample vial. *

Check that the pH value of the solution is between 4 - 10. *

Place 5 drops (0.15 ml) into the sample port of the test strip. *