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TBC (Total Bacterial Count) and Legionella testing are two different types of microbiological water tests, each serving a different purpose.
1. TBC (Total Bacterial Count)
Also called:
Total Viable Count (TVC)
Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
Purpose: Measures the total number of viable bacteria present in a water sample. It does not identify specific bacteria or indicate whether they are harmful.
Common uses:
Drinking water quality monitoring
Process water testing
Cooling towers
Hospital water systems
Food and beverage industries
Typical method:
Plate Count Agar (PCA) or similar media
Incubation at specified temperatures (commonly 22°C and/or 36–37°C) for defined periods
Results reported as CFU/mL (Colony Forming Units per milliliter)
Interpretation:
Low counts generally indicate good microbiological quality.
High counts may suggest poor sanitation, biofilm formation, or stagnation, but they do not necessarily indicate the presence of pathogens.
2. Legionella Testing
Purpose: Detects and quantifies bacteria of the genus Legionella, particularly Legionella pneumophila, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
Common sources tested:
Cooling towers
Hot and cold water systems
Hospitals
Hotels
Spa pools
Decorative fountains
Testing methods:
Method
Detects
Time to Result
Culture (ISO 11731)
Live Legionella
7–10 days
qPCR
Legionella DNA
Few hours to 1 day
Rapid antigen tests
Specific targets
Minutes to hours (limited use)
Results:
Reported as CFU/L for culture methods.
qPCR results are typically reported as genome copies per liter or similar molecular units, depending on the laboratory.
Comparison
Feature
TBC
Legionella
Measures
Total viable bacteria
Specific Legionella bacteria
Specificity
Non-specific
Highly specific
Indicates pathogens?
No
Yes
Typical unit
CFU/mL
CFU/L
Main purpose
General water hygiene
Public health risk assessment
Why both tests are often performed
A water system can have:
Low TBC but detectable Legionella, or
High TBC but no Legionella.
Because of this, TBC cannot be used to confirm or rule out the presence of Legionella. For systems with a risk of aerosol generation (such as cooling towers, healthcare facilities, hotels, and large building water systems), Legionella testing should be performed separately as part of a water safety management program.
If you’re working with a particular standard (such as ISO, WHO guidance, ASHRAE, or local regulations), the testing frequency and action limits may differ. I can also explain the relevant requirements for those standards.
Interested in Learning more about water testing, Visit our dedicated water testing services page: WATER TESTING
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Bunker Survey /Draftt Survey Standard Operating Procedure SOP (Guidelines)
Bunker Inspection Standard Operating Procedure Checklist.
The main
purpose of SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is to provide a step by step guide
to conduct bunkering operation with highly ensured safety precautions. Simultaneously
its purpose is to provide a certified statement of the quantity and quality of
the oil delivered and to draw attention to matters which may be relevant to the
protection of the client’s interest.
Bunkering
operation lets the bunker owner/captain/producers know the quality, quantity
and safety measures applied into the oil cargo and vessel itself.
Here is a
checklist to conduct bunkering operation.
Surveyor’s Responsibility in General
To
discharge number of responsibilities to the above described purpose, the
surveyor must be focused towards applying and recording each and every moment
and reporting it to persons concerned.
