Abstract: A broth medium for the detection of Escherichia coli in water samples, i.e., sewage specimens, and process for inoculation and incubation of said broth to conduct satisfactory detection tests. The medium employs para-coumaric acid and acetazolamide to inhibit growth of unwanted microorganisms and thus greatly reduces false positive test results.

Abstract: A medium for the detection and identification of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in urine samples.The medium employs para-coumaric acid, saponin and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid to inhibit growth of unwanted microorganisms and thus eliminate false positive test results.

Abstract: The concentration of microorganisms in a known volume of a water specimen is ascertained by introducing the water specimen into a plurality of wells which have known volume and contain a nutrient medium. The mixture of water specimen and nutrient medium is incubated and the wells are observed for a change in the appearance thereof which indicates metabolic activity, that is, the existence of microorganisms in the wells. If all the wells change appearance, then it is known that the concentration exceeds a certain limit, that is, at least one cell per specific well volume. On the other hand, if none of the wells change, then it is most likely the concentration is less than one cell per total volume of specimen in the wells. A change in appearance of some but not all of the wells indicates a concentration between the foregoing limits, and this concentration is estimated by statistical evaluation based on proven statistical computations.

Abstract: A broth medium for the identification of Escherichia coli. The medium employs coumaric acid, preferably para-coumaric acid, to inhibit growth and metabolic activity of other gram negative microorganisms and thus eliminate false positive test results in a medium designed for E. coli organisms.