Evaluation of readycult coliforms / E. coli test on water samples

ABSTRACT

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Readycult Conforms/ E. coli test for microbiological testing of potable water using Multiple Tube Method as gold standard. Study was conducted at Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, from January 2008 through June 2008. This study was a continuum of a previous study. Water samples received within 2 hours of collection were divided aseptically into two equal parts; one part was used for Readycult Conforms/ E. coli test and the other for Multiple Tube Method. Results were interpreted according to WHO guidelines. The sensitivity and specificity of the Readycult Coliforms/ E. coli test was 97% and 95.2% respectively compared to the Gold standard. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94.2% and 98% respectively. Readycult Coliforms/ E. coli test is an effective method for bacteriological testing of water. Results are available within 18-24 hours. This technique can be a useful tool in routine water microbiology particularly in remote areas where laboratory facilities are scarce