TapScore Mycobacterium Water Test

Mycobacteria, including over 170 species like M. avium (MAC), M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. kansasii, and M. xenopi, are common in the environment and in drinking water sources. They are known to proliferate in water distribution systems – a cause for concern due to the potential harm they can cause to human health. In particular, these bacteria can cause disease in immunocompromised individuals, making their presence in hospitals and other healthcare facilities particularly risky. The risk has only escalated with the increased detection of non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM), especially in healthcare facilities due to the use of heater-cooler units during surgeries. Given the rise in NTM detections, it is important to take sufficient precautions, especially if someone in your household has recently been infected by NTM. A recommended solution is targeted testing of NTM in your drinking water. The Tap Score water test package is an ideal tool for this task, providing all materials necessary to appropriately collect a sample and dispatch it for a certified laboratory test. This test not only provides an account of the number of mycobacterium colonies present in the sample but also identifies the particular species of mycobacterium, if detected. Note that due to the complexity of mycobacteria, an extended incubation and culture period of six weeks is required for accurate results. This extensive analysis is crucial as, while NTM do not pose a threat to most individuals, they can lead to serious diseases in immunocompromised individuals - particularly hospital patients. Hence, it is essential to be proactive and conduct regular tests, especially in light of the recent rise in mycobacterium detections. This Tap Score water test package allows for reliable and thorough testing, providing peace of mind in relation to the safety of your drinking water.