Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus aureus can be used as indicators of bathing water quality.

 

Their presence in water is of concern, particularly in the case of immunocompromised persons who are at risk of skin infection and potentially more serious infections resulting from contact with this organism. 

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Our UKAS method is applicable to the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in samples of

swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and spa pool water.  Non UKAS testing is available for other water sources.

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Samples are collected in sterilized bottles pre-dosed with 1.8% Sodium thiosulphate solution. During transit and when in storage, samples should be kept cool (2-8ºC). 

 References

                   ENUMERATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BY MEMBRANE FILTRATION

                   Issue no: 3.3 Issue date: 03.05.05 Issued by Standards Unit, Evaluations and Standards Laboratory on behalf of the Water.

 

                   Health Protection Agency (2004). Enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus by membrane filtration. National Standard Method W 10 Issue 3.

 

                   Report 71: The Microbiology of Water 1994 – Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects No. 71. Methods for the examination of waters and associated materials.

                   Oxoid Manual 9th Edition 2006

PHE National Infection Service food, water and environmental microbiology methods working group, FNES8: version number 4(2016). Enumeration[M13]  of Coagulase - positive staphylococci (staphylococcus aureus and often species)