Laboratory Test for Staphylococci in Water

How can I have your partner laboratory test for Staphylococci in my water?

In addition to the basic package, which lets you order a water analysis from our laboratory and covers shipping to and from the lab..., you can order optional tests for specific parameters.

This Staphylococci test checks for the presence (or absence!) of Staphylococci in your water.

To have your water tested:

1. Order the basic kit

2. Order this specific test for Staphylococci

3. Receive the kit at home

4. Send it back to the testing laboratory using the return shipping label provided

5. The laboratory performs the test you ordered

5. We supplement the laboratory results with our technical recommendations

Testing for staphylococci in water

Sources of staphylococci in water

The staphylococcus bacterium, also known as Staphylococcus aureus or golden staph, is fairly widespread in the environment. However, it is most commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of animals and humans, as it is part of the normal microflora of human skin and is permanently present in the nasopharynx of 20 to 30 % of adults.

Staphylococci can also be detected in wastewater, swimming pools, and spas. More concerning, traces of staphylococci have been found in some drinking water supplies!

Standards for staphylococci in water

Fortunately, staphylococci in water can be readily controlled using conventional treatment and disinfection processes. 

The June 2016 NF T90-412 water quality standard covers the enumeration of pathogenic staphylococci using a membrane filtration method.

The maximum allowable concentration for pathogenic staphylococci per 100 ml is 0 (EEC European drinking water standards (1975)).

Effects of staphylococci on the body

Hand contact is the most common route of transmission, often leading to food contamination when hygiene is inadequate. However, 30 to 50 % of the population are healthy carriers of staphylococcus and will probably never become ill.

Similarly, food left exposed to air at room temperature instead of being properly wrapped and refrigerated can become contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Eating it leads directly to food poisoning.

Staphylococci are also found in hospitals, where they cause many hospital-acquired infections, some of which are very serious. The difficulty in treating them stems from the number of different strains and their resistance to antibiotics.