U s i n g B - F I n d i c a t o r s O n c e A W e e k C a n S a v e M a n u f a c t u r e r s

Time & Money

It is recommended that manufacturing fluid systems be
tested weekly at each tank or production station to monitor
contamination levels. Proper use of Troy B-F Indicators has
been shown to frequently result in significantly lower
production costs. Through a routine check with
B-F Indicators that requires only minutes and does not
disrupt production, manufacturers can remain better
informed about plant systems and avoid production
shutdowns, second runs and batches, wasted resources,
wasted time, and product failure in the field.

Contents of B-F Indicator Kits

B-F Indicator Kits contain 10 sterilized B-F Indicator test
units, each consisting of a two-sided dip slide attached to a
screw cap, inside an incubation tube. Also included are
convenient peel-off labels for recording testing
date/time/location, a Microbial Comparison Chart for
interpreting and standardizing the test results, and directions
for using the Kit.

Troy Chemical Company Limited

242 Applewood Crescent
Unit 14
Concord, Ontario L4K 4E5
Tel: 905-760-7902
Fax: 905-760-7904

Performance Products... Worldwide

TROY Corporation makes no warranty, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular
purpose for these products. No statements or recommendations contained herein are to be construed as inducements to infringe any
relevant patent, now or hereafter in existence. Under no circumstances shall TROY Corporation be liable for incidental, consequential or other
damages from alleged negligence, breach of warranty, strict liability or any other theory arising out of the use or handling of these products.
The sole liability of TROY Corporation or TROY Chemical Corporation for any claims arising out of the manufacture, use or sale of its product
shall be for the buyers purchase price. Troy assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document or the results obtained. The
information in this document is provided without warranty and is to be utilized by Troy customers at the customers sole risk. Customers should
conduct their own tests in actual use conditions before commercial use of the products.
2002 Troy Corporation All Rights Reserved

B-F is a trademark of Troy.

BF4021000 Product #901010-01

Performance Products... Worldwide

B - F I n d i c a t o r T e s t i n g S y s t e m

STEP 2a
or

STEP 2b

Applications
Troy B-F Indicators indicate the presence, type, and extent of
destructive microbes in aqueous-based products.
B-F Indicator Kits are useful for testing raw materials,
intermediates, finished products, and storage vessels at
various stations throughout the manufacturing process.
B-F Indicator Kits are excellent tools for monitoring
microbial contamination in:

STEP 1

By comparing the warning signs visible on the

B-F Indicator to illustrations on the Microbial
Comparison Chart supplied with each Kit, plant
personnel can instantly gauge the type and
relative level of microbial contamination. The
level of microbial contamination is vital information
for plant managers to determine the need for corrective
action and the method. B-F Indicators are sterile, single-use,
nutrient agar test kits designed to monitor viable bacteria,
fungi, and yeasts in water-containing products.

B-F

Indicators are practical tools for determining

the presence of a variety of destructive
microorganisms common to manufacturing
environments. Left unchecked, these microorganisms can
negatively affect the properties, performance, and overall
quality of finished products and shorten expected
shelf-life. B-F Indicators provide distinct warning signs of the
presence and type of destructive microorganisms and
provide a simple means for estimating microbe
population density.

U s i n g B - F I n d i c a t o r K i t s

adhesives
caulks & sealants
cellulosic binders
cooked starches
cooling fluids
inks
joint cements

metalworking fluids
latex emulsions
latex paints
latex resins
polyvinyl alcohol
wash water
other organic products

Manufacturers are now monitored for compliance with both

Sound manufacturing practice demands a practical, in-house
Federal and local ordinances concerning the discharge of
before and after" method for determining types and levels
process water and other effluents. Many facilities
of microbial contamination. Checking for raw material
operate under "Zero Discharge"
contamination
"before"
preservative
permits. However, re-used fluids can
additions helps determine the proper
B-F Indicators
create a number of contamination
preservative type and dosage. Checking
problems if they are not continually
"after" dosage helps ensure that the
provide a simple and
monitored. Use of contaminated rinsemicroorganisms are reduced to acceptable,
convenient means
water in the manufacture of paints,
recommended levels. Raw material,
to monitor
metalworking fluids, joint cements,
in-process, and finished goods storage tanks
microbial
adhesives, caulks and sealants, and many
should always be inspected and tested for
other products often creates problems of
contamination before adding fresh product.
contamination
malodor, loss of viscosity, generation of
That, followed by weekly testing, will alert
gas, unsightly growth of microbial
plant personnel to the presence of
organisms on the surface of packaged products, and otherdestructive microbes. If contamination is found, corrective
wise degrade product quality. B-F Indicators provide a simple
action may then be taken to avoid microbial-induced product
and convenient means to monitor microbial contamination in
failure at the consumer end. Cost-efficiency requires proper
the sumps, troughs, and pits of collection systems, and help
biocide choice and rate of application. Inexpensive
determine if corrective action is needed.
B-F Indicators can play a crucial role in this process and save
manufacturers both time and money.

Advantages
B-F Indicator Kits are valuable detection tools in the battle
against microbial contamination. B-F Indicators provide a
convenient visual method to detect the presence, type, and
relative count of destructive microbes. This is achieved
without the need for expensive, specialized technical
personnel or outside resources. Because B-F Indicator Kits

are user-friendly, plant personnel require no special training.

A Troy Technical Representative can answer any questions
regarding the Kit and assist in determining the appropriate
Troy preservative for specific applications.

Holding dip slide from the screw-on cap,

immerse dip slide in non-pigmented aqueous
solution and completely wet both sides. Keep
dip slide in contact with solution for 5-10
seconds. Go to STEP 3.
Dip a sterile swab into the pigmented aqueous
solution. Using the saturated swab tip, lightly
streak both sides of the dip slide with
pigmented product taking care not to puncture
or perforate the agar. Go to STEP 3.

STEP 3

Allow any excess fluid to drip off the slide into

a disposal vessel. Immediately return the dip
slide to its incubation tube and screw on the
cap to seal.

STEP 4

Using the peel-off identification labels supplied

with your B-F Indicator Kit, record the
sampling location, date, and system type and
apply the label to the incubation tube.

B-F Indicators Help Manufacturers Avoid Product Failure

STEP 5

non-pigmented
aqueous solution

Unscrew cap and remove dip slide from its

incubation tube.

Incubate the sealed incubation tube containing

the dip slide in a dark, warm place for
48 hours (24 hours in an incubator).
Note: Use of an incubator is strongly
recommended to obtain faster
"early warning" results
(24 hours). Incubator conditions should be
set to 26-30C (78-86F). An incubator,
however, is not required to determine if
microbial contamination is a problem.

STEP 6

After the incubation period, examine both

sides of the dip slide and assess levels of
microbial contamination using the Microbial
Comparison Chart on the instructions insert
provided with your B-F Indicator Kit.

STEP 7

Set up a regular schedule for checking system

fluids at each plant tank or station on a weekly
basis (or more frequently, depending on
experience) to monitor microbial
contamination and allow for fast action if it
becomes necessary.

Active colonies of microorganisms will display their warning

signs on the surfaces of the B-F Indicator dip slide. Relative
levels of colony populations are estimated by visually
comparing the incubated dip slide to the Microbial
Comparison Chart supplied with each Kit. Colonies of
bacteria appear as red dots as a result of a dye indicator, which
grow on the pale yellow side of the slide. Fungal colonies
(yeasts and molds) will be seen on the brown side of the slide
(yeasts appear as smooth, round warning signs, while molds

STEP 1

STEP 2a

swab dipped in
pigmented
aqueous solution

or STEP 2b

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

appear large and fuzzy). The B-F Indicator Kit includes

suggested guidelines for delineating acceptable levels of
contamination and levels that require immediate corrective
action (levels vary depending on system fluid type). Troy
Technical Representatives are available to offer assistance to
plant personnel. B-F Indicators are intended for single use.
Proper disposal, which can be accomplished safely and easily,
requires soaking spent components in a common industrial
disinfectant, such as bleach, overnight and discarding.

B - F I n d i c a t o r T e s t i n g S y s t e m

STEP 2a
or

STEP 2b

Applications
Troy B-F Indicators indicate the presence, type, and extent of
destructive microbes in aqueous-based products.
B-F Indicator Kits are useful for testing raw materials,
intermediates, finished products, and storage vessels at
various stations throughout the manufacturing process.
B-F Indicator Kits are excellent tools for monitoring
microbial contamination in:

STEP 1

By comparing the warning signs visible on the

B-F Indicator to illustrations on the Microbial
Comparison Chart supplied with each Kit, plant
personnel can instantly gauge the type and
relative level of microbial contamination. The
level of microbial contamination is vital information
for plant managers to determine the need for corrective
action and the method. B-F Indicators are sterile, single-use,
nutrient agar test kits designed to monitor viable bacteria,
fungi, and yeasts in water-containing products.

B-F

Indicators are practical tools for determining

the presence of a variety of destructive
microorganisms common to manufacturing
environments. Left unchecked, these microorganisms can
negatively affect the properties, performance, and overall
quality of finished products and shorten expected
shelf-life. B-F Indicators provide distinct warning signs of the
presence and type of destructive microorganisms and
provide a simple means for estimating microbe
population density.

U s i n g B - F I n d i c a t o r K i t s

adhesives
caulks & sealants
cellulosic binders
cooked starches
cooling fluids
inks
joint cements

metalworking fluids
latex emulsions
latex paints
latex resins
polyvinyl alcohol
wash water
other organic products

Manufacturers are now monitored for compliance with both

Sound manufacturing practice demands a practical, in-house
Federal and local ordinances concerning the discharge of
before and after" method for determining types and levels
process water and other effluents. Many facilities
of microbial contamination. Checking for raw material
operate under "Zero Discharge"
contamination
"before"
preservative
permits. However, re-used fluids can
additions helps determine the proper
B-F Indicators
create a number of contamination
preservative type and dosage. Checking
problems if they are not continually
"after" dosage helps ensure that the
provide a simple and
monitored. Use of contaminated rinsemicroorganisms are reduced to acceptable,
convenient means
water in the manufacture of paints,
recommended levels. Raw material,
to monitor
metalworking fluids, joint cements,
in-process, and finished goods storage tanks
microbial
adhesives, caulks and sealants, and many
should always be inspected and tested for
other products often creates problems of
contamination before adding fresh product.
contamination
malodor, loss of viscosity, generation of
That, followed by weekly testing, will alert
gas, unsightly growth of microbial
plant personnel to the presence of
organisms on the surface of packaged products, and otherdestructive microbes. If contamination is found, corrective
wise degrade product quality. B-F Indicators provide a simple
action may then be taken to avoid microbial-induced product
and convenient means to monitor microbial contamination in
failure at the consumer end. Cost-efficiency requires proper
the sumps, troughs, and pits of collection systems, and help
biocide choice and rate of application. Inexpensive
determine if corrective action is needed.
B-F Indicators can play a crucial role in this process and save
manufacturers both time and money.

Advantages
B-F Indicator Kits are valuable detection tools in the battle
against microbial contamination. B-F Indicators provide a
convenient visual method to detect the presence, type, and
relative count of destructive microbes. This is achieved
without the need for expensive, specialized technical
personnel or outside resources. Because B-F Indicator Kits

are user-friendly, plant personnel require no special training.

A Troy Technical Representative can answer any questions
regarding the Kit and assist in determining the appropriate
Troy preservative for specific applications.

Holding dip slide from the screw-on cap,

immerse dip slide in non-pigmented aqueous
solution and completely wet both sides. Keep
dip slide in contact with solution for 5-10
seconds. Go to STEP 3.
Dip a sterile swab into the pigmented aqueous
solution. Using the saturated swab tip, lightly
streak both sides of the dip slide with
pigmented product taking care not to puncture
or perforate the agar. Go to STEP 3.

STEP 3

Allow any excess fluid to drip off the slide into

a disposal vessel. Immediately return the dip
slide to its incubation tube and screw on the
cap to seal.

STEP 4

Using the peel-off identification labels supplied

with your B-F Indicator Kit, record the
sampling location, date, and system type and
apply the label to the incubation tube.

B-F Indicators Help Manufacturers Avoid Product Failure

STEP 5

non-pigmented
aqueous solution

Unscrew cap and remove dip slide from its

incubation tube.

Incubate the sealed incubation tube containing

the dip slide in a dark, warm place for
48 hours (24 hours in an incubator).
Note: Use of an incubator is strongly
recommended to obtain faster
"early warning" results
(24 hours). Incubator conditions should be
set to 26-30C (78-86F). An incubator,
however, is not required to determine if
microbial contamination is a problem.

STEP 6

After the incubation period, examine both

sides of the dip slide and assess levels of
microbial contamination using the Microbial
Comparison Chart on the instructions insert
provided with your B-F Indicator Kit.

STEP 7

Set up a regular schedule for checking system

fluids at each plant tank or station on a weekly
basis (or more frequently, depending on
experience) to monitor microbial
contamination and allow for fast action if it
becomes necessary.

Active colonies of microorganisms will display their warning

signs on the surfaces of the B-F Indicator dip slide. Relative
levels of colony populations are estimated by visually
comparing the incubated dip slide to the Microbial
Comparison Chart supplied with each Kit. Colonies of
bacteria appear as red dots as a result of a dye indicator, which
grow on the pale yellow side of the slide. Fungal colonies
(yeasts and molds) will be seen on the brown side of the slide
(yeasts appear as smooth, round warning signs, while molds

STEP 1

STEP 2a

swab dipped in
pigmented
aqueous solution

or STEP 2b

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

appear large and fuzzy). The B-F Indicator Kit includes

suggested guidelines for delineating acceptable levels of
contamination and levels that require immediate corrective
action (levels vary depending on system fluid type). Troy
Technical Representatives are available to offer assistance to
plant personnel. B-F Indicators are intended for single use.
Proper disposal, which can be accomplished safely and easily,
requires soaking spent components in a common industrial
disinfectant, such as bleach, overnight and discarding.

U s i n g B - F I n d i c a t o r s O n c e A W e e k C a n S a v e M a n u f a c t u r e r s
Time & Money
It is recommended that manufacturing fluid systems be
tested weekly at each tank or production station to monitor
contamination levels. Proper use of Troy B-F Indicators has
been shown to frequently result in significantly lower
production costs. Through a routine check with
B-F Indicators that requires only minutes and does not
disrupt production, manufacturers can remain better
informed about plant systems and avoid production
shutdowns, second runs and batches, wasted resources,
wasted time, and product failure in the field.

Contents of B-F Indicator Kits

B-F Indicator Kits contain 10 sterilized B-F Indicator test
units, each consisting of a two-sided dip slide attached to a
screw cap, inside an incubation tube. Also included are
convenient peel-off labels for recording testing
date/time/location, a Microbial Comparison Chart for
interpreting and standardizing the test results, and directions
for using the Kit.

Troy Chemical Company Limited

242 Applewood Crescent
Unit 14
Concord, Ontario L4K 4E5
Tel: 905-760-7902
Fax: 905-760-7904

Performance Products... Worldwide

TROY Corporation makes no warranty, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular
purpose for these products. No statements or recommendations contained herein are to be construed as inducements to infringe any
relevant patent, now or hereafter in existence. Under no circumstances shall TROY Corporation be liable for incidental, consequential or other
damages from alleged negligence, breach of warranty, strict liability or any other theory arising out of the use or handling of these products.
The sole liability of TROY Corporation or TROY Chemical Corporation for any claims arising out of the manufacture, use or sale of its product
shall be for the buyers purchase price. Troy assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document or the results obtained. The
information in this document is provided without warranty and is to be utilized by Troy customers at the customers sole risk. Customers should
conduct their own tests in actual use conditions before commercial use of the products.
2002 Troy Corporation All Rights Reserved

B-F is a trademark of Troy.

BF4021000 Product #901010-01

Performance Products... Worldwide