4.5Product Water Culture
FREQUENCY: Once a month or more often, depending upon culture results, and unit protocol. We recommend before and after disinfection.
Materials Required:
•Bucket or similar container
•Sterile specimen container, such as Millipore (red) or 3M Commercial Standard Plate count sampler, or a container your lab may require
RATIONALE: This procedure will help ensure that the microbial count of the product (RO) water falls within the AAMI Hemodialysis Water Standard. The AAMI standard maximum allowable concentration for bacteria in product water is 200
OTHER: Consult your lab to find out what type of sterile container to use and how much product (RO) water is required to perform the test. Make certain that your laboratory is informed of the correct procedure for performing a product water culture. A "spread plate method" NOT a "calibrated loop" technique should be used, with tryptic soy agar or equivalent agar, NOT blood or chocolate agar. If tested incorrectly, the results may be inaccurate. The sample should be assayed within 30 minutes of obtaining it, or refrigerated (5°C) immediately and assayed within a 24 hour period. Obtain the samples wearing long sleeves and a mask to prevent contamination of samples, use a
12552e – 27 Feb 04 | 4- 29 | Routine Maintenance |