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Pseudalert*

24-hour detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

 
                

  • Detects P. aeruginosa in 24 hours with no additional confirmation steps. 
  • The ISO international standard for 24-hour detection of P. aeruginosa in water - ISO: 16266-2:2018. 
  • Method 9213G in Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater
  • Minimizes the risk of false positives from nontarget organisms.
  • Same easy-to-use platform as the Colilert Test.
  • Safeguard against "hot-tub rash," "swimmer’s ear," and a host of other infections, avoiding illness in sensitive populations.
     

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Overview

Easy
  • Blue fluorescence of wells or vessel indicates a positive result.
  • Same familiar platform as the Colilert Test: 
    • Ready-to-use reagents, no media preparation.
    • Convenient unit-dosed packaging.
    • No toxic compounds.
  • Use with Quanti-Tray or Quanti-Tray/2000 for most probable number (MPN) enumeration.
Rapid
  • Definitive results in 24 hours.
  • Less than 1 minute of hands-on time for streamlined testing work flow.
Accurate
  • Specifically detects Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing the risk of false positives from nontarget organisms.
  • Results are definitive without additional confirmation steps.
  • Simple blue fluorescent change minimizes subjective result interpretation.

Science

How the Pseudalert Test works

The Pseudalert Test detects the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water samples.

The test is based on a bacterial enzyme detection technology that signals the presence of P. aeruginosa through the hydrolysis of a substrate in the Pseudalert reagent. P. aeruginosa cells rapidly grow and reproduce using the rich supply of amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients present in the Pseudalert reagent. Actively growing strains of P. aeruginosa have an enzyme that cleaves the substrate in the reagent to produce blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Pseudalert detects Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1 cfu per 100 mL water sample within 24 hours.

How to use

 

Learn how to use the Pseudalert test


 

Presence/Absence (P/A)


Step 1

Add reagent to sample (sample will turn yellow), and then incubate at 38°C±0.5°C for 24–28 hours.

Step 2

Read under ultraviolet (UV) light. Blue fluorescence indicates presence of P. aeruginosa. See the Pseudalert Quick Reference Guide (PDF) for tips on reading fluorescence.

Quantification


Step 1

Add reagent to sample (sample will turn yellow).

Step 2

Add IDEXX Antifoam Solution to vessel.

Step 3

Pour sample into Quanti-Tray (counts from 1–200) or Quanti-Tray/2000 (counts from 1–2,419).

Step 4

Seal using a Quanti-Tray Sealer, and then incubate at 38°C ± 0.5°C for 24–28 hours.

Step 5

Read under ultraviolet (UV) light. Blue fluorescence indicates the presence ofP. aeruginosa. Count the positive (blue fluorescent) wells and refer to MPN table. See the Pseudalert Quick Reference Guide (PDF) for tips on reading fluorescence.

Frequently asked questions

 

The Pseudalert Test is designed for water samples including bottled, pool, and spa water. Bottled water samples are defined as samples taken from any point in the manufacturing of bottled water (from the original water to the finished product). Extensive studies were done on Pseudomonas aeruginosa stressed by the various chemicals and cleaning agents used in pools and spas to mimic the impact of treatment. The Pseudalert Test was specifically formulated and tested to ensure it would detect stressed P. aeruginosa in these samples.

The Pseudalert Test is based on a bacterial enzyme detection method that signals the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the hydrolysis of an enzyme substrate. P. aeruginosa cells rapidly grow and reproduce using the rich supply of amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients present in the Pseudalert reagent. Actively growing strains of P. aeruginosa have an enzyme that cleaves the substrate in the reagent to produce blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light. The Pseudalert Test detects P. aeruginosa at 1 cfu per 100 mL or 250 mL sample within 24 hours.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the only Pseudomonas species known to cause health issues. For this reason, regulations in many countries apply specifically to P. aeruginosa detection.

The Pseudalert Test detects Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1 cfu/100 mL or 1 cfu/250 mL.

There is no comparator for the Pseudalert Test. For comparison, use a negative control when interpreting results.

Water samples are incubated at 38°C ± 0.5°C for 24 hours, and results are valid up to 28 hours.

Yes, if the results are positive. An inoculated Pseudalert presence/absence sample that is positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa before 24 hours is a confirmed positive test for P. aeruginosa. However, for an accurate quantitative determination of P. aeruginosa in a sample, the results should be read at 24–28 hours of incubation.

Yes, if the results are negative. If an inoculated Pseudalert Test sample is inadvertently incubated for over 28 hours, lack of blue fluorescence is a valid negative test result. However, blue fluorescence that develops after 28 hours is not a valid positive test result; the test should be repeated or verified.

Yes, both the Quanti-Tray and Quanti-Tray/2000 can be used with the Pseudalert Test in the 100 mL format but not the 250 mL format.

For presence/absence testing, use a sterile, transparent, nonfluorescing vessel. For the Quanti-Tray and Quanti-Tray/2000 systems, any sterile vessel can be used.

The Pseudalert reagent powder should be tan in color and free-flowing. If you have any concerns about the color or integrity of the powder, contact IDEXX Technical Services.

The mixing of sample and reagent can create foaming. IDEXX Antifoam Solution is needed to help the foaming subside before sealing the sample in the Quanti-Tray or Quanti-Tray/2000.

Resources & Tools

Tests & Accessories

Search the Water Tests & Accessories tool

Product Information

Pseudalert Test (20-test pack)
Product Number: 98-18076-00
Catalog Number: WPSE020I

Pseudalert Test (200-test pack)
Product Number: 98-18078-00
Catalog Number: WPSE200I

IDEXX-QC Pseudomonas aeruginosa Kit
Product Number: 98-29004-01
Catalog Number: WQC-PSE

Snap pack and Quanti-Tray combination packs are also available.

Resources

IDEXX Water has reference materials and approval documents to support the many products in our water portfolio. Find the document(s) you need by selecting the link below.

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Water Customer Support

Corporate Headquarters
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
One IDEXX Drive
Westbrook, Maine 04092 USA

Tel: 1-800-321-0207
Fax: 1-207-556-4630

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ISO Certifications

Locations and ISO Certificates

*The Pseudalert Test is intended to be used only for water quality research and analysis, by technically qualified individuals or under their supervision.