Description
This innovative bacteria testing device is like a mini-lab in the palm of your hands and will check an open water sample for a range of bacteria in 15 minutes. It is lightweight & compact, has rechargeable batteries – each charge lasting for up to 10 tests.
- Test river, coastal and inland recreational water* in 15 minutes
- No lab required – instant results
- Perfect for wild swimming testing and environmental monitoring
- Reliable on-site water testing
The world-first mobile bacteria testing device checks for endotoxin found in Gram-negative bacteria through a colour-change reaction; results are displayed in Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU). With this method it can detect a broad spectrum of harmful bacteria including Coliform/E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella spp., Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease), Shigella, Klebsiella and Vibrio spp – indicating their presence through an easy to understand traffic light system, which is aligned with the Bathing Water Guidelines water classifications:
- GREEN: Low risk / low levels of bacteria.
- ORANGE: Medium risk / moderate concentration.
- RED: High risk / high concentration.
The device gives fast, reliable bacteria readings in 15 minutes, so there is no waiting around for results. Water quality testing with Bactiquick is simple yet effective and backed by science. The results have been validated and checked by independent validators (Campden BRI) and presented in peer reviewed journals including the International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, Water and the Journal of Water & Health.
The device is small, light and easy to carry, so you can test water quality for Gram-negative bacteria just before going into the water. It is perfect for open water swimmers, paddle boarders, surfers, family trips, holidays abroad, film crews, fire & rescue training exercises as well as environmental monitoring etc.
Check bacteria levels before entering water in 4 easy steps:

- This handy little device is battery powered, durable and easy to carry (only 226g)
- Results presented in line with Bathing Water Guidelines – in levels of green / amber / red
- Suitable for coastal as well as inland waters, as long as the water body is flowing and has an inlet and outlet*
- The device can be connected to a free app, where results can be logged and changes can be tracked. In future, the app will allow users to share their test results across the country, which means that all users can see test results and identify pollution hotspots

Suitable for: surface water, ground water, recreational water, pools, rivers, coastal water – use it anywhere the water flows safely (but not forcefully) with a flow in and a flow out.
*Please note, not suitable for testing of small still bodies of water, like small ponds and lakes with no inflow or outflow; or during periods of high river flow, ie during floods.
Detects: Presence/Absence test; detects a broad spectrum of harmful bacteria including Coliform/E. coli, Salmonella typhi (Typhoid Fever), Leptospira (Weil’s Disease), Pseudomonas, Vibrio (Cholera), Shigella, Legionella etc.
Please note, this is a presence/absence test – there is no indication as to the type of bacteria detected. When linked to the app the level of the total Gram-negative bacteria (measured in ERU) can be seen.
Result displayed with a simple traffic light system, aligned with the Bathing Water Guidelines classifications.
- GREEN: Low risk / low levels of bacteria.
- ORANGE: Medium risk / moderate concentration.
- RED: High risk / high concentration.
The device provides measurement in endotoxin risk units (ERU) – a rapid biomarker measurement used in environmental and public health assessments—specifically to quantify bacterial endotoxin levels in water, such as recreational or bathing sites. Endotoxin Risk units (ERU) can not be directly converted to Colony Forming Units (CFU) but there is a correlation between both, they generally follow similar trends in fresh water. A spike in living bacteria (CFU) will generally lead to an increase in endotoxins (ERU).
Total Test Time: 15 Minutes
How to Use:
- Power up the device first so it can reach the operating temperature.
- Collect a water sample in a suitable container (not provided).
- Using the pipette, transfer the correct amount of water from the sample container into the dilution tube (blue capped).
- Give it a shake. Then transfer a small amount into the test tube (grey capped). Mix gently.
- Place the test tube into the Bactiquick device and wait for 13 minutes.
- Results are displayed on the device as a traffic-light system (either green, orange or red), results can be downloaded to the free Bactiquick App.
This starter kit includes:
- Instruction Manual in English.
- Testing device with rechargeable battery (2,500 mAh lithium-ion, average of 10 tests on a single charge, takes approx 4 hours to charge to full capacity).
- USB-C cable.
- 5 Bacteria reagent tests (to be stored in the fridge).
- Tube opening tool – only included with your first order, please do not discard after use.
- Warranty: one year guarantee.
Make sure you read the instructions fully before starting the tests.
Purchase additional bacteria reagents / refills
Bacteria Reagents:
- A set of 5 reagents includes: 10x pipettes, 5x dilution tubes (blue capped), 5x test tubes (grey capped).
- Not to be used as a standalone product.
- To be stored in fridge between 2°C and 8°C, do not freeze. Protect from long term exposure to light.
- Discard used bacteria reagents, including pipettes, single use only. Can be disposed in household waste.
- Use within expiry date. Expiry date usually 15+ months.
Device:
- Contains lithium-ion battery, do not leave in direct sunlight, in a hot place or very cold. If storing in a car on a hot day, do not put it in passenger compartment, choose a shady place.
- Battery can be damaged if left in cold freezing/very hot conditions. Always allow device to warm up to room temperature before charging battery.
- Dispose of the device/battery in accordance with local guidelines.
- The Bactiquick device is not waterproof so should never be submerged in water or exposed to excessive rain.
- During testing: make sure device stands upright during test to avoid sample from spilling.
- Remove the sample as soon as the test is completed, do not leave it in the device once a test is completed.
Do not take a water sample directly at a sewage outlet as the treatment (e.g. ultra violet) can impact the results. Instead collect your sample at least 150m away.
Please note: that this is a screening test and can not be used to certify water as safe or unsafe for swimming. This test kit provides approximate results ONLY when used in strict accordance with instructions. SimplexHealth expressly disclaims any liability resulting from the use of this product, failure to follow instructions, or reliance of test results. Store device in a cool, dry place (below 30°C) and away from excess cold/heat and direct sunlight. Store bacteria reagents in the fridge, between 2°C and 8°C, do not freeze.
No MSDS required. Keep away from children and pets. Avoid contact of contents of dilution tubes with skin & eyes, do not ingest or expose to acids. Do not consume any water sample, before or after testing. This is not a measuring instrument. Not suitable for drinking water testing. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or monitor any medical condition. Wash hands before and after use. The contents of the kit should not come in contact with food or consumables.
The test result is valid only for the sample tested. It does not guarantee that other parts of the water are free of toxins or toxin levels change after the result is obtained. Natural factors such as wind, currents and similar conditions may quickly and significantly affect the condition of the water.
For semi-quantitative determinations.
Made in United Kingdom

























