Microbial Comparison Chart

Colony Forming Units (CFU) per Milliliter (ml)

Bacteria

103 Slight

104

105 Moderate

106 Heavy

107

Fungi
Yeast (Single Cell Fungi) CFU per ml Mold - Growth Rating

103 Slight

104

105 Moderate

106 Heavy

Slight

Moderate

Heavy

Interpretation of Results
Bacteria (Pale Yellow Side)
Bacteria appear as red colonies based upon a color indicator in the medium. Compare density of colonies on the pale yellow side of dip slide with the bacteria chart. Do not let differences in size mislead you - all spots represent active colonies. Colorless colonies should also be counted. Reflected light will help in counting colorless colonies.

Fungi (Brown Side)

The fungal side of the dip slide will indicate the presence of yeast and/or mold. Colonies can be pure mold, pure yeast, or a mixture. Yeast grows as smooth, round colonies. Mold grows as fuzzy colonies and may be a variety of colors. If no growth appears after 48 hours, extend the incubation for an additional 48 hours (24 hours each with incubator).

If the B-FTM Indicator shows a contamination problem, a Troy representative can assist in determining the appropriate Troy preservative to control the offending organisms. For efficient use of preservatives and proper rates of application, manufacturers should test their products before and after introduction of the preservative to ensure that elimination of microorganisms is complete. Interpretation of results is industry, use, and environment specific. Metalworking fluids are a prime example. Bacterial counts of less than 105 are typically not a major concern, as long as the counts are controlled with periodic antimicrobial dosing. But the same level in packaged products, where microbes may nourish and multiply for months unchecked, can literally destroy adhesives, paints and coatings. In these cases, a count of 103 or above will generally require preservative treatment. A count of 105 or greater will almost always require treatment.
No warranty is made, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose for these products. No statements or recommendations contained herein are to be construed as inducements to infringe any relevant patent, now or hereafter in existence. Under no circumstances shall TROY Corporation or its affiliates be liable for incidental, consequential or other damages from alleged negligence, breach of warranty, strict liability or any other theory arising out of the use or handling of these products. The sole liability of TROY Corporation and its affiliates for any claims arising out of the manufacture, use or sale of its product shall be for the buyer's purchase price. Neither TROY Corporation nor any affiliates assumes any obligation or liability for the information in this document or the results obtained. The information in this document is provided without warranty and is to be utilized by customers of the products at the customer's sole risk. Customers should conduct their own tests in actual use conditions before commercial use of the products.
2003 Troy Corporation All Rights Reserved B-F is a trademark of Troy. BF2021000 Product #901010

B - F I N D I C AT O R

B-F Indicator Testing System

The Troy B-F Indicator is a simple and convenient test for monitoring the population of bacteria, fungi, and yeast in water-based products, including:
metalworking fluids latex paints latex resins latex emulsions joint cements wash water cooling fluids adhesives caulks & sealants inks polyvinyl alcohols cooked starches cellulosic binders other organic products

Each unit is sterile, self-contained, and disposable. Each unit consists of a two-sided dip slide and incubation tube. Identification labels are provided for recording the sampling date and location. Any appearance of bacteria, mold, or yeast usually requires immediate corrective action. When used in a regular and consistent manner, B-F Indicators provide a reliable benchmark of contamination levels. This benchmark, together with knowledge of in-plant conditions such as odor, emulsion stability, and coolant effectiveness, will alert the user to take the corrective action necessary to eliminate microbial contamination and the problems it causes.

Directions

Dip Slide - Bacterial Side Tryptone Glucose Extract Agar +TTC

Dip Slide - Fungal Side Malt Extract Agar

Incubation Tube

To evaluate metalworking fluids & water-based products (not including pigmented formulations):

Remove dip slide from the incubation tube. Immerse dip slide in fluid and completely wet both sides. Keep dip slide in contact with the solution for 5-10 seconds. Immediately return dip slide to its incubation tube and seal with cap. Label incubation tube with date, product type, and location. Incubate in a dark, warm (26-30C / 78-86F) place for 48 hours for best results. The use of an incubator is strongly recommended for faster early warning results (24 hours). However, an incubator is not required to determine if microbial contamination is a problem. Examine both sides of the dip slide and assess levels of microbial contamination using the Microbial Comparison Chart (see reverse).

To evaluate pigmented formulations (e.g., latex paints, slurries, & aqueous color dispersions):

Dip a sterile swab into the pigmented product. Using the swab, lightly streak both sides of the dip slide with pigmented product, taking care not to puncture or perforate the agar. Immediately return the dip slide to its incubation tube and seal with cap. Label incubation tube with date, product type, and location. Incubate in a dark, warm (26-30C / 78-86F) place for 48 hours. The use of an incubator is strongly recommended for faster early warning results (24 hours). However, an incubator is not required to determine if microbial contamination is a problem. Examine both sides of the dip slide and assess levels of microbial contamination using the Microbial Comparison Chart (see reverse).

Points to Remember
1. Test results achieved with the Troy B-F Indicator are indicative of product microbial contamination 24-48 hours earlier. Actual microbial contamination, therefore, is likely to be more severe than when the test was started (48-72 hours earlier depending on whether an incubator is used). 2. B-F Indicators cannot be reused and should be disposed of promptly and properly. Used dipslides should be opened, soaked overnight in a common disinfectant such as bleach, and discarded. 3. Store the B-F Indicator Kit at room temperature. Please note the Expiration Date shown on the box.

Your Troy representative can provide additional technical information about B-F Indicators, as well as information on preservatives designed to eliminate bacterial & fungal contamination. For more information, please e-mail marketing@troycorp.com Canada: 242 Applewood Crescent, Unit 14 Concord Ontario L4K 4E5 (905) 760-7902 Performance Products... Worldwide USA: 8 Vreeland Road Florham Park NJ 07932 (973) 443-4200