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BlueLab Wasseranalysesysteme
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Our concept

Safe drinking water is a top priority worldwide. Yet even well-developed water systems can contain pathogens such as Legionella or E. coli. That is why BlueLab develops solutions that make microbial water testing faster, more accurate and more cost-effective.

The problem

Safe and readily available drinking water is a top priority in every country, regardless of its development status. Even countries with highly developed infrastructure and water networks see outbreaks of disease caused by waterborne pathogens such as Legionella and E. coli.

Illustration of rod-shaped bacteria in red and blue
Water sample being filled into a sample bottle at a tap

When not properly checked and maintained, drinking water systems can provide suitable conditions for these pathogens to grow. This applies in particular to sections with little or no water flow, to mild temperatures (25–45 °C) and to residual nutrients in the water.

The risk is even higher in swimming pools and technical water systems such as cooling towers. Temperatures there are usually higher, and pathogens are more likely to enter the system. Concerned about your own water quality? You can find our accredited testing under Lab.Services.

Examples of waterborne pathogens

Legionella

Petri dish with Legionella colonies forming the word “Legionella”

Legionella causes Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia that can be fatal if left untreated. People become infected by inhaling contaminated aerosols, i.e. very fine water droplets in the air.

There is currently no vaccine against Legionella. If the disease is diagnosed early, it can be treated with certain antibiotics.

E. coli

Petri dish with blue E. coli colonies forming the word “E. coli”

E. coli is associated with severe gastrointestinal disease. Its presence in water indicates that the water supply is contaminated with faecal matter.

Infection usually occurs through drinking contaminated water. E. coli infections are usually treatable, but severe cases can be fatal.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Petri dish with yellow-green Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies forming the letters “P. a.”

P. aeruginosa can cause a range of diseases: from skin inflammation after contact with contaminated water to pneumonia caused by inhaled aerosols. It is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.

P. aeruginosa is often highly resistant to antibiotics. This makes treatment considerably more difficult.

Our solutions

We believe that rapid, accurate and cost-effective water analysis is the best way to ensure water safety. That is why we are developing solutions for the broad range of use cases in microbial water analysis.

BlueLab PRO

Rendering of the BlueLab PRO: benchtop device with screen and blue housing

The BlueLab PRO is a fully automated analysis device and is currently in development. Goal: results in under four hours, without extensive training and without additional equipment. More about BlueLab PRO

BlueLab GO

Rendering of the BlueLab GO quick test with sample connector and a window showing the test lines

Sometimes a quick indicative result is all you need to assess water quality before committing to a detailed examination. This is what our quick tests are designed for. More about BlueLab GO

BlueLab Count

Rendering of BlueLab Count: robotic arm between stacks of Petri dishes

Your water analysis lab has established workflows, but you can't seem to increase throughput? This is what we are developing automated lab solutions for. More about BlueLab Count

Interested or have questions about our developments? Send an enquiry