What is the hold time for fecal coliform analysis?

The hold time for fecal coliform analysis is established to ensure that the sample remains representative of the original water quality at the time of collection. A hold time of 6 hours is specified because fecal coliforms are sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, including temperature and storage conditions.

If samples are analyzed within this timeframe, it increases the likelihood that the results accurately reflect the microbial population present in the water. Exceeding this hold time could result in the growth of other microorganisms or die-off of the fecal coliforms, leading to inaccurate or misleading results.

Maintaining strict adherence to the recommended hold time is crucial for quality control in laboratory practices, ensuring that data from tests are reliable and can contribute effectively to assessing water quality and public health.