6.5.2 Monitoring the water for bacteria and NTM
Bacteria and NTM monitoring schedule
● At least once a month, monitor the tanks’ water for bacteria and NTM.
● When you monitor the tanks for bacteria and NTM, do so when you are
disinfecting the system. Take water samples before and after the disinfection
procedures.
Materials you will need:
● Sterile containers for bacteria sampling: 2x 50 mL
● Sterile containers for NTM sampling: 2x 50 mL or 1x 100 mL
● Disinfectant spray and/or wipes
● 1-2 collections bucket for drained water, each with at least 1 L volume.
NOTE: You may drain the solution into the collection buckets or directly into
floor drains.
● Supplies to identify and track samples based on your hospital’s policies (e.g.,
sample labels and permanent markers)
Summary of steps you will complete in this section:
Important
● Samples can be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures from 2 °C to 8 °C. Do
not store samples for more than 24 hours.
● Pay attention to hand hygiene and protective barriers by disinfecting your
hands and using gloves.
1 Prepare to collect a water sample
2 Collect the sample
3 Disinfect the heater-cooler, then collect a second set of samples
4 Interpret the results