KOOL KOUNT   ASSAYER       • Sampling       • Filling       • Incubation       • Reading       • Interference       • Disposal       • Safety       • Control Amps       • Non-Cooling       • General

1. HOW LARGE OF A SAMPLE DO I NEED? It is recommended that the provided sample cup be filled to the top (approximately 30 mls) with sample water. The KKA ampoule requires 8 mls to fill. Because the ampoule is under vacuum and draws a sample quickly, it is necessary to have more than the required 8 mls in order to prevent the sucking of air which will result in an under filled KKA.
   
   

2. DOES IT MATTER HOW I TAKE THE SAMPLE? Yes! bacteria can cluster in water. This is especially true of waters which have no movement. If the water to be sampled is agitated the distribution of bacteria can be expected to be even. Accordingly, it is a good idea to run a little water out of the reservoir to be sampled before drawing a sample.
   
   
3. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT THE SAMPLE CUP BE KEPT CLEAN AND WHAT IS MEANT BY "CLEAN"? It is important to keep the sample cup as clean as possible. The residence time (15 minutes) of the sample water in the sample cup is usually long enough to pick up side wall residues be they biologic or chemical. A simple rinsing of the sample cup with the water to be sampled (2-3 times) will normally eliminate sample cup interferences. When not in use, keep the sample cup in a dust free and dry area. For high sensitivity (l-10 cfu/mL) laboratory measurements, the sample cup maybe sterilized by rinsing the cup with tap or deionized water and microwaving for 20-30 seconds the sample cup with the final rinse water in it.
   
   
4. IF I AM RUNNING A CONTROL AMPOULE WITH KKA HOW MUCH SAMPLE IS REQUIRED? The control ampoule uses the same amount of sample water as the KKA (8 mls). Therefore, to run a control and KKA together 16 mls of sample water would be required. A completely filled sample cup will contain enough sample water for both - 1 control and 1 KKA ampoule.
   
   
5. WHY DO I NEED TO LET THE WATER SAMPLE SIT IN THE SAMPLING CUP FOR 15 MINUTES? Most of the time it is not necessary but letting the water sit is a passive form of sample conditioning. If the water contains low levels of halogens (chlorine, bromine) they can dissipate. Suspected non-biologic matter can settle out. Extremely high or low temperature samples will moderate.
   
   
6. WHAT IF MY WATER SAMPLE IS NOT CLEAR? For turbid or colored water a Control Ampoule should be used at the same time as the KKA ampoule. Both Control and KKA should be filled with the same sample water. The Control ampoule will assist in interpreting end of test colors. Samples (wastewater, etc) can be diluted to lessen the effect of color of turbidity.
   
   
7. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SAMPLE CUP AND A SNAPPING CUP? Nothing! they are the same item. Each kit comes with a sample/snapping cup.
   
   

1. DOES IT TAKE A LOT OF PRESSURE TO SNAP THE KKA TIP? No, KKA ampoules will snap easily. The tip of the ampoule is scored to facilitate the snapping of the tip. By rotating the ampoule between your thumb and forefinger while pulling the ampoule towards the opposite wall of the sample cup, the scored snapping point will be reached causing an easy break. After snapping 3-4 ampoules, you will get the "FEEL" for snapping.
   
   

2. DO I HAVE TO USE THE PROVIDED AMPOULE SNAPPING CUP? No, the snapping/sample cup is provided to facilitate ampoule snapping. Each box comes with a new cup. Any clean container, large enough to hold 30 mls and wide enough to permit snapping using the side wall as a prying surface will work.
   
   
3. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF KKA DOES NOT FILL COMPLETELY OR AT ALL? If KKA does not fill completely, air was sucked in at the time of filling. This situation occurs when too little sample water is in the snapping cup or the ampoule is withdrawn too quickly. If the ampoule is filled to within 0.5 inches of the top of the ampoule shoulder continue the test. If the fill is less than 0.5 inches of the top of the shoulder abandon the test and run another ampoule making sure to have enough sample water in the snapping cup so that air is not sucked into the ampoule or hold the ampoule in the water until it fills.
   
   
4. IF A CONTROL AMPOULE IS BEING USED WHEN DO I FILL IT? Control ampoules should be filled with the same sample water immediately before or after the KKA.
   
   
5. HOW LONG DO I KEEP THE KKA AMPOULE IN THE SAMPLING CUP? As soon as the KKA ampoule has filled it can be removed. Filling takes 2-3 seconds.

   
   
6. WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE KKA AMPOULE IS FILLED? Rock the KKA ampoule in your hand until the powder has dissolved and go to incubation portion of the instructions.

   
   
7. WHAT DO I DO IF THE POWDER IS NOT DISSOLVING? If the sample water temperature is significantly below the incubation temperature it will take longer to dissolve all of the powder. Placing the KKA ampoule in a warm environment (same as an incubator) for a brief period and than reshaking to mix will solve the problem.

1. DO I NEED AN INCUBATOR? No, KKA was designed to be user friendly in the FIELD or LAB. Placing the KKA in any type of environment (shirt pocket, heater room, etc.) which is a constant 35 C / 95 F for the time period the test is running is all that is required.
   
   
2. IS IT NECESSARY TO INCUBATE KKA AT EXACTLY 35 C / 95 F? No, incubation temperature may vary 2-3 degrees either side of the specified temperature.
   
   
3. WHAT DO I DO IF THE INCUBATION IS INTERRUPTED BY POWER FAILURE OR OTHER CAUSES? Incubation can be interrupted for up to 48 hours. During the interruption KKA should be placed in a cool environment (40-50 F); when you are ready to restart the test place KKA back at incubation temperature and follow the stop/restart instructions.
   
   
4. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF KKA IS INCUBATED AT LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TEMPERATURES? KKA will develop to end of test but at a slower rate. How much slower is directly proportional to the temperature differential from the specified incubation temperature. It is possible to recalibrate for lower temperatures.
   
   
5. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF KKA IS INCUBATED AT HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED TEMPERATURES? KKA will develop to end of test at a quicker rate than the development times specified. Using higher temperatures should be practiced by only experienced personnel since too much heat can kill some microorganisms.
   
   
6. CAN I STOP AND RESTART INCUBATION, AND IF SO FOR HOW LONG? Yes, placing the ampoule in a refrigerator will stop the reaction. When removing KKA from the refrigerator to restart the test, add 1/2 hour to the elapsed development time to allow the sample water to return to proper incubation temperature. KKA can be refrigerated up to 24 hours without any problems.

1. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR KKA TO PASS THROUGH A COLOR PHASE? It takes KKA about 30 minutes to complete a color change once the orange color has been reached. Extremely high counts would make the time in each color shorter.
   
   
2. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT VIEW THE KKA THROUGH THE BOTTOM? Not viewing the ampoule from the bottom will cause the operator to miss or not see the required color changes at the correct time. The result will be significantly low, erroneous readings.
   
   
3. WHAT DO I DO IF I MISS THE ORANGE COLOR WHEN USING THE PROFILE METHOD? It is really not a problem; because color phases take a predicable amount of time (30 min.), the time to orange can be calculated by deducting 30 min. for each color phase not seen. The instructions for this method provide additional information.
   
   
4. HOW DO I USE A CONTROL AMPOULE? The control ampoule is held right next to the KKA ampoule and both are viewed together through the bottom. The control ampoule provides the comparison or starting point for end of test color determination. For colored or turbid sample waters, a control ampoule is very useful.

1. ARE THERE ANY CHEMICALS WHICH INTERFERE WITH THE KKA REACTION? Yes, chemicals which are strong reducers will interfere with the test. Strong reducing agents can give an early red color development (1-5 min.). Sample pretreatment will depend on the compound. A general nuetralizing agent is available as a seperate purchase item. If your desire is to have a "presence" count (as opposed to an "activity" count) of the bacteria and halogens are being used, a simple addition of 1 or 2 drops of sodium thiosulfate (supplied with kit) will neutralize halogens.
   
   
2. DO BIOCIDES INTERFERE WITH THE KKA REACTION? Generally not when used in concentrations of 100 ppm or less. There are some biocides like Glutaraldehyde, which virtually eliminate most microbes except Pseudo. species. Generally, such situations require an additional 2 hours of KKA development time (see KKA-W Time chart).
   
   
3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I SEE ORANGE OR PINK IN 5 MINUTES OR LESS? This usually means the presence of a strong reducing chemical, especially if the color goes to an immediate light pink (or darker) which does not develop further. Or, if the color keeps developing to red and the test is being done outside, the ultra voilet light (sunlight) is the problem. The correction for outside testing in sunlight is to use the light blocking black sleeve provided with each test kit.
   
   
4. WHAT DO I DO IF KKA RESULTS ARE SLOWER OR LOWER THAN EXPECTED? Factors which can contribute to slower development times (low results) are low incubation temperatures, certain biocides or a predominance of one bacterium species.
   
   
5. WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET NO COLOR CHANGE? The count is exceptionally low or there is a strong oxidizing chemical present. Always check to see if a stir bar is present. If not, a Control Ampoule was used and it is not supposed to change color.
   
   
6. IF I GET UNEXPECTED RESULTS SHOULD I SAVE THE KKA AND HOW? One of the distinguishing features of KKA is to be able to retain a sample which has given unusual results. It is best to refrigerate or ice the KKA sample until it can be analyzed by sophisticated laboratory techniques for chemical and microbial content.

1. AFTER I HAVE FINISHED USING THE KKA HOW DO I DISPOSE OF IT? There are several methods for proper disposal of used KKA ampoules. Basically, the same methods used for agar paddles would apply. In the field, one approach would be to clip the open ampoule end (with a device like a nail clipper) and dump the contents back into the same body of water from which the sample was taken, or inject chlorine or bleach into the ampoule to kill the organisms and dispose of the ampoule contents into the same water body from which the sample was taken. Retain the empty glass ampoule for autoclaving and destruction at a convenient time.
   
   
2. IF KKA IS DROPPED AND BROKEN WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN IN CLEANING UP THE MESS? Spill and cleanup information is contained on the product MSDS.

1. ARE KKA REAGENTS PERSONALLY DANGEROUS MATERIAL? No!
   
   
2. IS KKA CONSIDERED BY DOT / OSHA A HAZARDOUS PRODUCT? No!
   
   
3. WHAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED TO USE KKA? None!
   
   
4. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO USE THE PROVIDED PLASTIC HOSES? Very! the plastic hose is applied over the broken end to prevent cutting of skin or other surfaces. In addition, a carry/incubation tube is also available.
   
   
5. WHERE WOULD I FIND ALL APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR KKA? The MSDS contains all appropriate emergency information.

1. WHAT ARE CONTROL AMPOULES AND WHEN DO I NEED THEM? Control ampoules are those without the stir bar. They contain no indicator and will not develop a color change past the yellow start color point. They are used for sample waters which contain color or turbidity to help the operator see a color change in the KKA ampoule. They act as a constant starting point so that changes can be easily seen in the KKA.
   
   
2. HOW DO I OBTAIN CONTROL AMPOULES? The may be ordered in a box of 8.
   
   
3. WHEN DO I FILL A CONTROL AMPOULE? Control ampoules should be filled at the same time as the KKA ampoule and with the same sample water.
   
   
4. HOW LONG WILL A CONTROL AMPOULE LAST? Control ampoules will last 30 days or more for most sample waters especially if it is kept cool (refrigerated). If the sample water remains constant for color and turbidity, one control ampoule can be used repeatedly for many KKA ampoules.
   
   
5. HOW DO I DISTINGUISH A CONTROL AMPOULE FROM A KKA AMPOULE? Control ampoules have no stir bar, unlike the KKA which does have an internal stir bar.

1. CAN KKA BE USED FOR WATER OTHER THAN COOLING TOWER WATERS? Yes, KKA can be used for virtually any viable microbe count in an aqueous solution.
   
   
2. WHAT ORGANISMS WILL BE DETECTED BY KKA? KKA measures all viable aerobic microbes. If they are growing in the solution they will grow in the KKA. Times of development can vary for each application and/or microbe type.
   
   
3. CAN KKA BE USED FOR SINGLE SPECIES ANALYSIS? Yes, by using various sample pretreatments and selected incubation temperatures which isolate certain bacteria species, KKA can perform single species analysis. Such programs need to be specifically engineered by application.
   
   
4. HOW DO I CALIBRATE KKA FOR NON COOLING TOWER WATERS? A simple method is to run a series of KKA ampoules parallel to the existing technique. Record the times for development of the end of test color and correlate these times to the values the older, slower method records. Do this for several value levels and you will have made a viable calibration.

1. WHY ARE THERE 2 METHODS OF OPERATION FOR KKA? For most Cooling Tower applications, a specific control point is known or desired. For these applications, the Limit Control Method is most desirable because an operator need only look at the KKA once. For applications where there is no known or expected count, the Profile Method is required.
   
   
2. CAN A FILTER PHOTOMETER OR SPECTROPHOTOMETER BE USED TO MEASURE COLOR DEVELOPMENT? Yes, if you desire to use non-visual methods for end point color determination select an instrument which can accommodate the KKA. It will need to be calibrated.
   
   
3. WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR KKA? KKA is best stored in the box in an upright position. Ideal temperatures are room temperature or below. The worst environment is to store KKA out of the box, on its side, in intense UV light with temperatures over 120 F.
   
   
4. BECAUSE KKA IS MADE OF GLASS ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES REQUIRED? When stored in the KKA box it is a rugged, durable product. Outside of the box, care should be exercised to prevent the tip from receiving lateral pressure which would cause premature breakage of the tip.
   
   
5. HOW DO I OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PARTS; i.e., SNAPPING CUP, COLOR CHARTS? Each KKA kit comes complete with all necessary parts.