Rapid methods and devices for the detection of coliform and the detection and confirmation of E. coil

A method for detecting coliform in a sample comprising:

• a) contacting the sample with a medium comprising a growth encouraging medium in an amount effective to support coliform growth, at least one pH buffer so as to maintain a pH of 6.5 to 8, and at least one coliform sensitive fluorogen, so as to allow any coliform present in the sample to access the medium;
• b) incubating the sample at a temperature above 37 degrees C. for a time sufficient to allow coliform growth preferentially over non-coliform growth;
• and
• c) inspecting the sample for a signal.

A method for detecting E. coli coliform in a sample comprising:

• a) contacting the sample with a medium comprising a growth encouraging medium in an amount effective to support E. coli coliform growth, at least one pH buffer so as to maintain a pH of at least 6.0, at least one E. coli coliform sensitive chromagen, so as to allow any E. coli coliform present in the sample to access the medium;
• b) incubating the sample at a temperature at above 37 degrees C. for a time sufficient to allow coliform growth preferentially over non-coliform growth;
• and
• c) inspecting the sample for a signal.

A medium for detecting coliform and for detecting and confirming E. coli coliform comprising:

• a) an antibiotic-free growth encouraging medium in an amount effective to support coliform growth;
• b) at least one pH buffer so as to maintain a pH of at least 6.0;
• c) at least one coliform sensitive chromagen;
• and
• d) at least one coliform sensitive fluorogen.