Ordering your kit is easy, and includes everything required to get your samples laboratory analysed. How it works: Our blue green algae testing kit (also known as cyanobacteria) provides analysis for the presence of blue green algae in your samples, and cell count, providing an indication of the levels of any algae present, with results aligned to World Heath Organisation guidelines. Our DIY water testing kits come complete with full instructions, sterile sample bottles & return packaging & a pre-paid return label to enable you to return your samples back to our lab. This kit is available with 2-5 sample bottles, depending on your requirements. Please note the sample kit only includes submission of one set of samples to the lab. Kits cannot be split into multiple submissions. This kit is for analysis of blue green algae only. If you require microbiology analysis, for example for open water swimming or watersports then you may wish to take a look at our EU Bathing Water Standards kit or Triathlon Open Water Testing kit. This test is regularly used by event organisers, festivals, watersports centres & private landowners. Do I need to test? Almost all water bodies will contain a mix of organisms including algae, some of which may be blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria). In the right conditions, blue green algae can release toxins that are known to be harmful to both animals and humans. It’s the landowner or operators responsibility to identify this risk, and mitigate accordingly. Many of our customers test for blue green algae to help them establish when to erect warning signs, or stop activities in the water. How many samples should I take? This varies, depending on the size of your water body, intended use and reason’s behind why you are testing the water. Although we do offer a single sample kit, we recommend considering a kit with a minimum of 2 sample bottles, allowing you to take the water samples at two different locations on your water body. If it’s a large area, or there are inlets, you may wish to consider taking additional samples to provide a comparison across different parts of the water body, or if you have areas where algae tends to form, you may wish to test that location specifically. How do I take the samples? When the kit arrives, you’re able to take the water samples yourself whenever you wish to. We recommend these are taken from areas of the water that you are intending to use, at approx. 30cm below the waters surface, to get the most accurate results, and avoid contamination of the sample with any surface debris. How do I return my water samples? Once taken, your samples are returned directly to the lab, using the return packaging and pre-paid postage label provided within the water sampling kit. How long does it take to receive the results? We aim to get results back to you, via email, 3-5 working days from sample submission. During peak times, this may take a little longer. Results are emailed to the email address used for your order. If you need them sent to an alternative address, please contact us. Can I use the sample bottles at different times? If you wish to order multiple sample kits for use at different times, please place separate orders as kits include return packaging and labels for one return/use.
