Bacteria Testing

MICROSTIX-3 Reagent Strips for Urinalysis.

These strips test for:

Nitrite

Bacteria

A scenario for using these strips would be in the case of water damage where there is some question about whether restoration of the carpet has lowered the bacteria count. They could also be used as another testing procedure for urine and possible as a sales tool in carpet cleaning.

These strips are designed for testing urine with sick people, but like many other testers, they can be adapted for our use.

A box of 25 strips also comes with some little test bags, labels and a color chart. Cost per strip is between three and four dollars.

To adapt these strips for our use, test two areas, one in the affected area and also in an area that has not been affected.

Soak the affected and non-affected area with distilled water.

Place the strips in the soaked area for five seconds.

If you want to check for nitrite, do so in the next 45 to 60 seconds by comparing the reactant pad to the appropriate section of the Color Chart.

Place the Strip in the bags and label them.

Then place the bags in a warm place between 35 to 37 degrees Centigrade or 95 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 24 hours.

Afterwards compare the result on the color chart.

I have found a Pharmacy in Houston Texas that still stocks the Microstix 3, stock #3009. The price for 25 strips was about $70 not including shipping. If you are one of the ones interested in this, the name of the place is:

CUNNINGHAM PHARMACY
1631 NORTH WEST LOOP WEST
HOUSTON, TX 77008
Bus: +1 (713) 864-4449
Bus Fax: +1 (713) 864-0190

***Keep in mind that there is a difference between bacteria and mold. Mold and mildew can be seen with the naked eye and testing for them involves petri-dishes and identifying the type of mold.