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Bluephage announces an update to its positive control kits, now categorized into two references: BP1626a and BP1626b. These kits, designed for coliphage enumeration, will contain 25 units per box, five more than the previous format, providing greater value and flexibility for laboratories globally.

The new BP1626a and BP1626b kits will be available as stand-alone positive control kits. The Easy Kits 1601 and 1604 will continue to include the positive control; however, starting from February 20, 2025, Bluephage customers will have the option to purchase the positive controls separately to enable laboratories to manage their inventory more efficiently and to acquire positive controls based on their specific needs.

Additional & Individual materials (ISO)

The positive control kits have also been diversified and specialized: the BP1626a kit is designed for use with the Easy Kit 1601 for 1 ml samples, while the BP1626b kit is tailored for use with the Easy Kit 1604 for 100 ml samples.

The Importance of Positive Controls

Positive controls are critical in microbiological water testing, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of each test method. When analyzing coliphages, a positive control introduces a known quantity of reference bacteriophage to confirm that the test method correctly detects the target virus.

Without a positive control, laboratories cannot verify that a test is functioning properly. If a test fails to detect the positive control, it suggests potential issues with reagents, procedures, or handling techniques. Therefore, every coliphage analysis should always include a positive control alongside environmental samples.

The bacteriophage φX174 is the world reference standard for the detection of somatic coliphages in water analysis. It is widely utilized in laboratories and is included in the main international test methods, such as ISO 10705-2 and US EPA 1601, 1602, 1642, and 1643.

This recognition is attributed to its exceptional stability, which allows for consistent and reproducible results, and its ease of cultivation and quantification, making it ideal for laboratory applications. Its reliable indicator properties ensure the accurate detection of somatic coliphages in water quality assessments.

At Bluephage, φX174 is the standard positive control used in our Easy and BPF-SPA kits, ensuring compliance with the most widely accepted microbiological water analysis protocols. For the BPF-SE kit, we operate with the GR8, as it has shown better performance for this specific method.

Key Specifications of Kits BP1626a and BP1626b

– Application: Positive control for somatic coliphage enumeration

– Compatible Methods: ISO 10705-2.

– Contents: 25 units of φX174 reference bacteriophage, ready to use

This enhancement aligns with Bluephage’s ongoing commitment to quality, efficiency, and scientific accuracy. By offering separate positive control kits with more units per box, laboratories benefit from increased flexibility, improved inventory management, and optimized workflows.

Available Now!

The updated BP1626a and BP1626b positive control kits are now available for order. For more information or to place an order, please contact Bluephage.

Did You Know?

ΦX174 (phiX174) was the first organism whose genome was fully sequenced in history. In 1977, a team led by Frederick Sanger, a pioneer in DNA sequencing, succeeded in determining the complete genome sequence of φX174, a single-stranded DNA bacteriophage that infects Escherichia coli bacteria. This milestone marked the beginning of the modern genomics era. Today, φX174 remains a reference organism in microbiology and is widely used in laboratories around the world, including as a positive control in coliphage analysis in water microbiology.