WHAT IS THE
MICROBMONITOR
2
®
TEST?
MicrobMonitor2 is a simple and easy to use test kit which enables the quantitative assessment of the viable microbial
content in petroleum products including liquid fuels, oils and associated water. MicrobMonitor2 enables on-site or
laboratory testing in accordance with ASTM and IP Standard Methods ASTM D7978 and IP613 - Determination of the viable
aerobic microbial content of fuels and associated water - Thixotropic Gel Culture Method. MicrobMonitor2 is
recommended in the IATA Guidance Material on Microbiological Contamination in Aircraft Fuel Tanks for monitoring
microbial contamination in aircraft fuel tanks and is listed in the Aircraft Maintenance Manuals of Airbus, Boeing, BAE
Systems and other leading aircraft manufacturers. The test is used by a wide range of military services for monitoring
contamination in aviation, marine and ground fuels and is NATO Codified (6640-99-834-3573).
MicrobMonitor2 provides a total count of microbial colony forming units (CFU). CFUs are the conventional unit of measure
for microbial contamination used in a wide range of industries. MicrobMonitor2 detects the important bacteria, yeasts and
moulds which can contaminate petroleum products including Hormoconis resinae, Aspergillus, Candida and Pseudomonas
species.
The MicrobMonitor2 test consists of a screw-capped bottle containing a thixotropic nutrient gel. A sample is added to the gel
using a sterile plastic loop or syringe (provided). The bottle is shaken and the gel liquefies and the sample, and any
microorganisms in it are dispersed. The gel is re-set into a flat layer and the bottle is incubated in the dark. The gel
contains components which sustain the growth of viable microorganisms and the sample itself contributes additional
nutrients. Viable microorganisms in the sample grow into visible spots known as “colonies”, and a reactive compound
changes the colour of these colonies to red or purple so that they can be easily seen.
The number of colonies formed is a direct estimate of the number of viable microbial particles (CFU) present in the sample. The
actual number of colonies is counted or is estimated by reference to the Test Results Chart (page 9). The volume tested can
be 0.01 ml (using a sterile loop dispenser) or between 0.1 ml and 0.5 ml (using a sterile syringe). The number of colonies formed
is considered in relation to the volume of sample added to the test and expressed as CFU/litre of fuel, or CFU/ml of oil or
water associated with fuel.
MicrobMonitor2 is available in packs of 5 and 44 tests, each containing everything that is required to perform the test:
MicrobMonitor2 test bottles
Sterile syringes*
Sterile loop dispensers*
Bottle labels
This instruction leaflet.
* The 44 pack is available with or without sterile syringes and loop dispensers.
MicrobMonitor2 has been developed and patented by ECHA Microbiology Ltd. and it is marketed worldwide by
ECHA and its distributors.
WHAT IS THE
MICROBMONITOR
2
®
TEST USED FOR?
The MicrobMonitor2 is used to test for microbial contamination in fuel and oil products, and to monitor microbial growth in
storage tanks and supply facilities. MicrobMonitor2 can be used as a routine monitoring tool, for providing assurances
about product quality, for investigation of incidents and for confirming effectiveness of measures taken to prevent or
remediate microbial growth and contamination.
This instruction leaflet provides general instructions for using MicrobMonitor2. Further technical instruction on the use of
MicrobMonitor2 in specific applications is provided in the technical application leaflets listed below (free to download
from www.echamicrobiology.com). These leaflets include advice on sampling, sample preparation, interpretation of test
results and appropriate actions when contamination is detected:
EP096 How to Interpret MicrobMonitor2 Test Results in Accordance with IATA Guidelines for Aircraft Drain Samples.
EP119 Routine Monitoring of Aviation Fuels in Supply and Distribution Facilities, Airport Depots and Into-plane
Operations with MicrobMonitor2.
EP132 Routine Monitoring of Diesel Fuel Tanks and Distribution Systems with MicrobMonitor2.
EP166 Routine Monitoring of Marine Diesel on Ships and Offshore Installations with MicrobMonitor2 .
EP157 Technical Assistance Reading Results of MicrobMonitor2.
2
Sample & test detai
ls
MICROB
MONI
TO
R
2
®
test result
s
Col
o
ni
es
count
e
d
Da
y 1
Col
o
ni
es
count
e
d
Da
y 2
Col
o
ni
es
Count
e
d
Da
y 3
Col
o
ni
es
Count
e
d
Da
y 4
Col
o
ni
es
Count
e
d
Day _______
Mi
crob
ia
l
C
o
nt
a
m
in
a
tio
n in
sampl
e
C
FU/
li
tr
e
o
r C
FU/
m
l
Sa
mple
Re
f.
D
a
te tes
ted
Ty
pe
Loca
tion
Vol
ume
tes
ted (
m
l)
0.
5/0
.25/0
.1/0.01/other__
In
c
ub
a
tio
n T
e
m
p
. (
°C
)
Sa
mple
Re
f.
D
a
te tes
ted
Ty
pe
Loca
tion
Vol
ume
tes
ted (
m
l)
0.
5/0
.25/0
.1/0.01/other__
In
c
ub
a
tio
n T
e
m
p
. (
°C
)
Sa
mple
Re
f.
D
a
te tes
ted
Ty
pe
Loca
tion
Vol
ume
tes
ted (
m
l)
0.
5/0
.25/0
.1/0.01/other__
In
c
ub
a
tio
n T
e
m
p
. (
°C
)
Sa
mple
Re
f.
D
a
te tes
ted
Ty
pe
Loca
tion
Vol
ume
tes
ted (
m
l)
0.
5/0
.25/0
.1/0.01/other__
In
c
ub
a
tio
n T
e
m
p
. (
°C
)
Sa
mple
Re
f.
D
a
te tes
ted
Ty
pe
Loca
tion
Vol
ume
tes
ted (
m
l)
0.
5/0
.25/0
.1/0.01/other__
In
c
ub
a
tio
n T
e
m
p
. (
°C
)
11
MICROBMONITOR
2
®
T R U S T E D
I N N O V A T I V E
A C C U R A T E
D E P E N D A B L E
+
+
+
Results that count
