Test kits for the detection of microorganisms

There are also a number of microbial detection test kits available for use. Some of these test kits are described below. 

Air BP MicroMonitor was developed by ECHA Microbiology in the U.K. to determine the quantity of microorganisms present in a non-aqueous (fuel or lubricants) or aqueous sample. A measured amount of fuel 

FuelSTAT resinae was developed by Conidia Bioscience, Ltd. for the rapid (10 min) identification of Hormoconis resinae in aviation fuel. This is a semi-quantitative immunoassay test that will determine if the level of H. resinae contamination is below the level of significant contamination, per the lATA Microbial Contamination Task Force recommendations. This test has the sensitivity to determine the presence of 1,000 pg of H. resinae biomass in 1 liter of fuel or 1 ml of water. Test results of negative, low positive or high positive correlate to 1000, 1,000 to 10,000 or 10,000 pg of the fungus in either 1 liter of fuel or 1 ml of water respectively. The manufacturer of this test kit suggests that an aviation fuel system be monitored at least once a year. However, if the aircraft travels in warm, tropical areas it is advisable to monitor once a month. If the test indicates a low positive contamination, some action may be needed and monitoring should be done more often. With a high positive test result, immediate remedial action is required (Conidia Bioscience Ltd, 2002). 

HUM-Bug Detector Kit, manufactured by Hammonds Fuel Additives, is a qualitative test that indicates that hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms are present. The test flask contains the fuel or water bottom sample to be tested, a hydrocarbon source, an aqueous phase with nutrients added and a color indicator. The test bottle is incubated at 25°C in the dark for 12 to 48 hours. A red or pink color indicates the presence of hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms (Hammonds Companies Inc., 2002). 

RapidChek II SRB Test Kit is manufactured by Strategic Diagnostics, Inc. (U.S.). This test kit detects the presence of SRB in water bottom samples in less than twenty minutes. Antibodies are used to detect the enzyme adenosine-5 -phosphosulfate (APS) reductase, which is produced by all strains of SRB. 

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