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Is it possible to get more information about the membrane
you use for water filtration?
Unfortunately, the membrane composition for the conventional Aqua Screen®
System is a production secret. For Aqua Screen®
FastExtract we supply commercially available polysulfon membranes,
0.45 µm pore size (ø 47 and 50 mm).
Does the membrane
retain only vital bacteria? Is it possible to have more information on
the composition of the membrane? How did you demonstrate that your membrane
withholds only viable bacteria?
No, our membrane does only detect vital bacteria. This is the benefit
of the culture methode. The most important point is that free legionella
DNA of lysed legionella passes the membrane. Dead legionella particles,
which are still complete will stick on the membrane and will be detected.
All open legionella particles with burst membranes release their DNA which
will pass.
Is it possible to
test water from cooling systems or other strongly contaminated samples?
This only works with a prefiltration. By using a standard paper filter
you need to add a loss of 10 % to the total number. The filters included
in the extraction kits filtrate up to 500 ml, which is more than enough
for a good detection. In respect to the Aqua Screen® Fast
Extract we also recommend prefiltration, but this system should easily
filtrate 1000 ml without difficulties since the membranes are much bigger
in diameter.
On your protocol you recommend a decontamination of
the filtration unit (funnels, filter holders, adapter, .) ?
It is crucial to rinse the glass funnels and filter holders with water
after using DNA Remover. It is recommended to use the Aqua Screen Cleaner
Spray available for this particular purpose.
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