Bactiquick Rapid 15 Minute Bacteria Test Kit for Open Water (Device + 5 Tests)

£335.00 Inc VAT (£279.17 Ex VAT)

  • Handheld real time bacteria test – results from a portable device in 15 minutes
  • Includes rechargeable battery, each charge enough to carry out 10 tests
  • Ideal to test coastal, river, tidal pool and recreational water
  • Open Water / Wild Swimming / Environmental Monitoring Testing Kit
  • Pack includes: Reusable Device & 5 Tests
  • Results in line with Bathing Water Guidelines:
    • 🟢 Green: Low risk / low levels of bacteria.
    • 🟠 Orange: Medium risk / moderate concentration.
    • 🔴 Red: High risk / high concentration.

In stock

Description

This innovative bacteria testing device is like a mini-lab in the palm of your hands and will check an open water sample for a range of bacteria in 15 minutes. It is lightweight & compact, has rechargeable batteries – each charge lasting for up to 10 tests.

  • Test river, coastal and inland recreational water* in 15 minutes
  • No lab required – instant results
  • Perfect for wild swimming testing and environmental monitoring
  • Reliable on-site water testing

Download the Bactiquick brochure

The world-first mobile bacteria testing device checks for endotoxin found in Gram-negative bacteria through a colour-change reaction; results are displayed in Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU). With this method it can detect a broad spectrum of harmful bacteria including Coliform/E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella spp., Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease), Shigella, Klebsiella and Vibrio spp – indicating their presence through an easy to understand traffic light system, which is aligned with the Bathing Water Guidelines water classifications:

  • 🟢 Green: Low risk / low levels of bacteria.
  • 🟠 Orange: Medium risk / moderate concentration.
  • 🔴 Red: High risk / high concentration.

The device gives fast, reliable bacteria readings in 15 minutes, so there is no waiting around for results. Water quality testing with Bactiquick is simple yet effective and backed by science. The results have been validated and checked by independent validators (Campden BRI) and presented in peer reviewed journals including the International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, Water and the Journal of Water & Health.

The device is small, light and easy to carry, so you can test water quality for Gram-negative bacteria just before going into the water. It is perfect for open water swimmers, paddle boarders, surfers, family trips, holidays abroad, film crews, fire & rescue training exercises as well as environmental monitoring etc.

BactiQuick

  • This handy little device is battery powered, durable and easy to carry (only 226g).
  • Results presented in line with Bathing Water Guidelines – in levels of green / amber / red.
  • Suitable for coastal as well as inland waters, as long as the water body is flowing and has an inlet and outlet*.
  • The device can be connected to a free app, where results can be logged and changes can be tracked. In future, the app will allow users to share their test results across the country, which means that all users can see test results and identify pollution hotspots.

Bactiquick - recomended

Suitable for: surface water, ground water, recreational water, pools, rivers, coastal water – use it anywhere the water flows safely (but not forcefully) with a flow in and a flow out.

*Please note, not suitable for testing of still bodies of water, like ponds and lakes with no inflow or outflow; or during periods of high river flow, ie during floods.

Detects: Presence/Absence test; detects a broad spectrum of harmful bacteria including Coliform/E. coli, Salmonella typhi (Typhoid Fever), Leptospira (Weil’s Disease), Pseudomonas, Vibrio (Cholera), Shigella, Legionella etc.

Please note, this is a presence/absence test – there is no indication as to the type of bacteria detected. When linked to the app the level of the total Gram-negative bacteria (measured in ERU) can be seen.

Result displayed with a simple traffic light system, aligned with the Bathing Water Guidelines classifications.

  • 🟢 Green: Low risk / low levels of bacteria.
  • 🟠 Orange: Medium risk / moderate concentration.
  • 🔴 Red: High risk / high concentration.

The device provides measurement in endotoxin risk units (ERU) – a rapid biomarker measurement used in environmental and public health assessments—specifically to quantify bacterial endotoxin levels in water, such as recreational or bathing sites. Endotoxin Risk units (ERU) can not be directly converted to Colony Forming Units (CFU) but there is a correlation between both, they generally follow similar trends in fresh water. A spike in living bacteria (CFU) will generally lead to an increase in endotoxins (ERU).

Total Test Time: 15 Minutes

How to Use: 

  • Power up the device first so it can reach the operating temperature.
  • Collect a water sample in a suitable container (not provided).
  • Using the pipette, transfer the correct amount of water from the sample container into the dilution tube (blue capped).
  • Give it a shake. Then transfer a small amount into the test tube (grey capped). Mix gently.
  • Place the test tube into the Bactiquick device and wait for 13 minutes.
  • Results are displayed on the device as a traffic-light system (either green, orange or red), results can be downloaded to the free Bactiquick App.

This starter kit includes: 

  • Instruction Manual in English.
  • Testing device with rechargeable battery (2,500 mAh lithium-ion, average of 10 tests on a single charge, takes approx 4 hours to charge to full capacity).
  • USB-C cable.
  • 5 Bacteria reagent tests (to be stored in the fridge).
  • Tube opening tool – only included with your first order, please do not discard after use.
  • Warranty: one year guarantee.

Make sure you read the instructions fully before starting the tests.

Purchase additional bacteria reagents / refills

 

Sywell - Bactiquick Demonstration

Bacteria Reagents:

  • A set of 5 reagents includes: 10x pipettes, 5x dilution tubes (blue capped), 5x test tubes (grey capped).
  • Not to be used as a standalone product.
  • To be stored in fridge between 2°C and 8°C, do not freeze. Protect from long term exposure to light.
  • Discard used bacteria reagents, including pipettes, single use only. Can be disposed in household waste.
  • Use within expiry date. Expiry date usually 15+ months.

Do not touch or mark the bottom half of the test tubes. Make sure that the tip of the pipettes does not touch any surface to avoid contamination before the test. Only use the sterile consumables provided.

Device:

  • Contains lithium-ion battery, do not leave in direct sunlight, in a hot place or very cold. If storing in a car on a hot day, do not put it in passenger compartment, choose a shady place.
  • Battery can be damaged if left in cold freezing/very hot conditions. Always allow device to warm up to room temperature before charging battery.
  • Dispose of the device/battery in accordance with local guidelines.
  • The Bactiquick device is not waterproof so should never be submerged in water or exposed to excessive rain.
  • During testing: make sure device stands upright during test to avoid sample from spilling.
  • Remove the sample as soon as the test is completed, do not leave it in the device once a test is completed.

Do not take a water sample directly at a sewage outlet as the treatment (e.g. ultra violet) can impact the results. Instead collect your sample at least 150m away.

Please note: that this is a screening test and can not be used to certify water as safe or unsafe for swimming. This test kit provides approximate results ONLY when used in strict accordance with instructions. SimplexHealth expressly disclaims any liability resulting from the use of this product, failure to follow instructions, or reliance of test results. Store device in a cool, dry place (below 30°C) and away from excess cold/heat and direct sunlight. Store bacteria reagents in the fridge, between 2°C and 8°C, do not freeze.

No MSDS required. Keep away from children and pets. Avoid contact of contents of dilution tubes with skin & eyes, do not ingest or expose to acids. Do not consume any water sample, before or after testing. This is not a measuring instrument. Not suitable for drinking water testing. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or monitor any medical condition. Wash hands before and after use. The contents of the kit should not come in contact with food or consumables.

The test result is valid only for the sample tested. It does not guarantee that other parts of the water are free of toxins or toxin levels change after the result is obtained. Natural factors such as wind, currents and similar conditions may quickly and significantly affect  the condition of the water.

For semi-quantitative determinations.

Made in United Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where Can I Get Test Refills?

Purchase online from our website - Buy testing kit (5 pack).

Is Bactiquick Reusable?

Yes — the Bactiquick device is reusable and has a warranty of 1 year. The single‑use bacteria testing reagents usually have an expiry of 15+ months and are sold in packs of 5 on our website. Please don't hesitate to contact us and find out expiry dates of current stock.

Where can I use Bactiquick?

Bactiquick delivers accurate results for coastal waters, tidal pools and inland recreational waters like rivers. Bactiquick works well anywhere where water is refreshed, as opposed to stagnant.
Note: Not suitable for testing of still bodies of water, like ponds and lakes with no inflow or outflow; or for fast-flowing rivers, ie during floods. As a simple rule of thumb for rivers, if the current is too strong to swim in safely, do not use Bactiquick for testing.

What Bacteria Does Bactiquick Detect?

Traditional faecal indicator bacteria testing does not detect many other harmful microbes such as Vibrio (cholera), Pseudomonas, Salmonella (typhoid fever), Shigella, Klebsiella and Leptospira (Weil’s disease). That means routine monitoring can miss pathogens that cause serious illness after exposure in open waters or during wild swimming.
Although UK data are limited, US studies indicate a large proportion of bacterial-related hospital admissions arise from organisms like Leptospira, Pseudomonas and Salmonella—agents that can be acquired from contaminated water but are not routinely checked in UK water quality testing. Bactiquick detects a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria, including:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa = can infect skin, blood, lungs, the gastrointestinal tract and other sites; infections may be severe or fatal in people with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella typhi = Typhoid Fever
Acinetobacter baumannii = skin and soft tissue, urinary tract infections, meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia
Shigella spp =  bacillary dysentery
Legionella spp = Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever
E.Coli = diarrhoea and more serious illnesses like pneumonia
Leptospira = Weil’s Disease
Vibrio = gastroenteritis, but can also infect open wounds and cause sepsis

What are the results based on?

Bactiquick is a compact bacteria testing kit for open water that measures concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria and presents results with an easy traffic-light display based on the Environment Agency’s bathing water quality classifications.
  • Green = ‘Excellent’ and ‘Good’
  • Orange = ‘Sufficient’
  • Red = ‘Poor’
The device provides measurement in Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU) – a rapid biomarker measurement used in environmental and public health assessments—specifically to quantify bacterial endotoxin levels in water, such as recreational or bathing sites. Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU) can not be directly converted to Colony Forming Units (CFU) but there is a correlation between both, they generally follow similar trends in fresh water. A spike in living bacteria (CFU) will generally lead to an increase in endotoxins (ERU). The level of ERU detected by Bactiquick, can be seen when the test results are downloaded onto the free Bactiquick App.

What happens after I’ve done a test?

Once a test is completed, the results will be displayed on the Bactiquick device in a traffic-light display (green/orange/red). This is visible for 30 minutes before powering off to conserve battery. Within that time, results can be download onto the free Bactiquick App, where they can be accessed anytime for future reference, the App can also store the location of the tests. The App will show the level of Gram-negative bacteria detected in Endotoxin Risk units (ERU).

How accurate is Bactiquick?

Water quality testing with Bactiquick is backed by science. The results have been validated and checked by independent validators (Campden BRI) and presented in peer reviewed journals including the International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, Water and the Journal of Water & Health. Please feel free and contact us to receive details of those studies.
Bactiquick delivers highly accurate results, producing only a 4% false-negative rate compared with 7% for Idex and 10% for cultured tests.

What Does the Bactiquick App Do?

The Bactiquick App pairs with your device via Bluetooth to record and store your results, results should be downloaded within 30 minutes after the test is complete (after that, the device will power down to conserve battery). The results can be accessed in the App anytime for future reference, the App can also store the location of the tests. The App will show the level of Gram-negative bacteria detected in Endotoxin Risk units (ERU). In future, the App will allow users to share their test results across the country, which means that all users can see test results and identify pollution hotspots. The device provides measurement in Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU) – a rapid biomarker measurement used in environmental and public health assessments—specifically to quantify bacterial endotoxin levels in water, such as recreational or bathing sites. Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU) can not be directly converted to Colony Forming Units (CFU) but there is a correlation between both, they generally follow similar trends in fresh water. A spike in living bacteria (CFU) will generally lead to an increase in endotoxins (ERU). The level of ERU detected by Bactiquick, can be seen when the test results are downloaded onto the free Bactiquick App.

Is Bactiquick Waterproof?

The Bactiquick device isn’t waterproof so shouldn’t ever be submerged in water.

How Does the Bactiquick App Work?

After downloading and installing the Bactiquick App, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account and set up your profile. The App will then prompt you to pair your Bactiquick device so you can start testing water for bacteria before wild swimming. Switch on your Bactiquick device and make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone/tablet (usually found in Settings). With your phone close to the Bactiquick device, tap “Search for device.” Within a few seconds the device ID will appear on the App—tap it to connect. When powered on and within range, your Bactiquick device will automatically pair with the App via Bluetooth. To verify the connection or switch devices, tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner of the App and select “Connected device.” (If the device does not connect with phone or tablet straight away, or you have an error message ‘BLE permission denied’ then go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Bluetooth and ensure that it is enabled for Bactiquick.)

Can I Get Water Quality Information Elsewhere?

Besides testing the water yourself, using a laboratory test or the mobile Bactiquick device; water quality alerts are based on Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) release data and are typically left in place for 24 hours. Because tides, currents, wind speed and direction constantly change, these alerts are not always an accurate or reliable measure of actual water quality. Occasionally alerts are even triggered by faults in water company telemetry systems rather than by a real sewage release. Whether or not an alert has been issued for your area, you could still be swimming, surfing or paddling in water contaminated with untreated sewage or other bacterial pollutants. Conversely, depending on tides and wind, your usual swim spot may be perfectly clean despite an alert elsewhere. Many locations — especially rivers and non-designated sea & swim sites — are not routinely tested, and most official testing happens only during the bathing season (May–September). When tests are done, results often take 24 hours or more to be reported, which can be too late to protect swimmers.

How Big Is Bactiquick?

Bactiquick is a durable, lightweight bacteria testing device that fits in the palm of your hand — perfect for open water swimmers, paddle boarders, surfers, family trips, holidays abroad, film crews, fire & rescue training exercises as well as environmental monitoring; giving fast, reliable results so you can enjoy open-water swimming with confidence.
Weight = 226grams
Size = Height 104.14mm, Width 50.5mm, Length 79mm

How is Bactiquick Powered?

The Bactiquick device is powered by a rechargeable 2,500mAh lithium-ion battery and is supplied with a USB C charging lead. This means you can carry out an average of 10 tests on a single charge and it takes approx 4 hours to charge to full capacity.

MPN: BQ-Device-Tests

Brand

Bactiquick

Real Time Water Testing Kits for Bacteria

Bactiquick is a handheld bacteria testing kit that gives fast, reliable results in about 15 minutes detecting Gram-negative bacteria such as Coliform/E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Leptospira (Weil’s Disease), Klebsiella and Vibrio. BactiQuick Built for beachgoers, surfers, swimmers, wild swimmers, kayakers, outdoor adventurers, film crews, fire safety, environmental monitoring and anyone enjoying rivers, lakes* or the sea, this portable water tester makes it easy to check bacteria levels before you enter the water. For each test the small mobile device as well as bacteria test reagents are needed. Results are available - on-site - within 15 minutes. During testing, a water sample is combined with a cutting-edge chemical solution developed exclusively for Bactiquick. The water testing device then heats the sample to 37°C for 13 minutes. During this time, the device detects Gram-negative bacteria through a colour-change reaction. The colour produced is converted into an electrical signal - the more colour produced, the higher the concentration of bacteria in the water and the greater the risk to your health. *Not suitable for testing of small still bodies of water, like small ponds and lakes with no inflow or outflow.

 

  • We ship orders daily Monday – Friday (except bank holidays)
  • Fast & efficient shipping
  • Order by 12 noon for same day dispatch
  • All orders are shipped from United Kingdom (UK)

UK Shipment Options:

  • FREE Super Saver (3-5 business days): £0.00
  • Royal Mail 1st Class (1-2 business days): £1.99
  • Royal Mail Tracked 24  (1-2 business days): £2.99
  • DHL Courier (1-2 business days): £6.98
  • Special Next Day (Monday to Friday): £9.98

Order by 12 noon for same day despatch. For urgent despatch after 12 noon, please call us on 01933 664746.

European Union (EU) Shipment Options:

  • European International Shipping (5 – 10 Days)
  • International Tracked
  • DHL International Tracked

All orders to the EU are shipped including VAT so no duty or VAT to pay to customs

Please feel free to contact us for more information about international shipping before placing an order.

Rest of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and USA Shipment Options:

  • International Shipping (5 – 20 Days) from £0.80 (can vary due to exchange rates)
  • International orders outside the European Union and Great Britain are sent excluding VAT. Local VAT as well as potential import/duty fees are charged by local customs on point of import. Customs fees vary depending on product, however most of our products (ie water test kits) are duty free (0%). Please feel free to contact us for more information (ie HS Code) before placing an order.

Worldwide:

  • We can ship worldwide – please contact us to obtain a quote for your destination

Please note:

UK Mainland Shipping Provided by:

  • Free Super Saver (3-5 business days) – This is a free service using 2nd Class Royal Mail and usually arrives within 3-5 working days. In the event that no one is at home to take delivery, a card will be left for collection from your local post office or courier.
  • Royal Mail 1st Class (1-2 business days) – This service uses 1st Class Royal Mail, costs a small fee and usually arrives within 1-2 working days. In the event no one is in to take delivery, a card will be left for collection from your local post office or courier.
  • Royal Mail Tracked 24 (1-2 business days) – This service uses 1st Class Royal Mail tracked service, costs a small fee and usually arrives within 1-2 working days. In the event no one is in to take delivery, a card will be left for collection from your local post office or courier.
  • DHL Courier (1-2 business days) This express service is usually a next working day delivery (depending on location). Being a fully tracked service, you will need to be in to accept delivery, otherwise they will attempt delivery again the following working day or you can collect from your local depot.
  • Special Next Day (Monday to Friday) – This express service by courier or Royal Mail Special Delivery, is a next working day and fully tracked service. You will need to be in to accept delivery, otherwise they will attempt delivery again the following working day or you can collect from your local depot.
  • Higher value orders may be shipped using courier at no extra cost to ensure safe arrival.
  • Mainland UK includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and all BFPO addresses.

International Delivery provided by:

  • Royal Mail International – Depending on the order value this is part-tracked delivery service from Royal Mail. Delivery can take up 2 weeks (depending on the destination country), however for Europe delivery times are aprox 5-7 days.
  • International Courier Delivery – Depending on the order value this is a fully tracked service and can take up to 1 week (depending on the destination country).
  • If the country that is receiving your order has strong regulations regarding the importation of goods including nutritional supplements, SimplexHealth cannot be held responsible for any additional fees incurred by Customs and/or Quarantine scanning. We also cannot accept responsibility for items returned by customs.

All delivery times are estimates and depend on local courier services as well as processing times through customs (where applicable).

I have not received my order what do I do?

If you have not received your goods after 14 working days, then please contact us and we will chase your delivery. The quickest way is to contact the team by email (quoting your order number and contact details) or call us on +44 (0) 1933 664746 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5.00pm). It is out of our control if delivery gets delayed due to postal strikes or natural disasters, however we will do our best to help solve any problems with lost items.

Returning an item

We want you to be happy with your purchase but understand that sometimes you may need to exchange or return an item. Follow our returns procedure if you would like to return a faulty, damaged, duplicate, incorrect or unwanted item. This can be viewed here or under Returns at the bottom of the screen.


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