Public methods
Comprehensive Lake Microbiology Test
Lake Pulse reports measurements. It does not score, rate, rank or forecast lakes or properties.
What it measures
What's measured & how
Biological community screen (151 organisms + 4 indicators)
- Value type
- Not published
| Parameter | Result type | Unit | Analytical method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total bacteriaScreening | Semi-quantitative | CFU/100 mL | Biological screen (non-EPA) |
| Total coliformScreening | Semi-quantitative | CFU/100 mL | Biological screen (non-EPA) |
| Total fungiScreening | Semi-quantitative | CFU/100 mL | Biological screen (non-EPA) |
| Heterotrophic plate countScreening | Semi-quantitative | CFU/100 mL | Biological screen (non-EPA) |
- Total bacteriaScreening
- Result type:
- Semi-quantitative
- Unit:
- CFU/100 mL
- Analytical method:
- Biological screen (non-EPA)
- Total coliformScreening
- Result type:
- Semi-quantitative
- Unit:
- CFU/100 mL
- Analytical method:
- Biological screen (non-EPA)
- Total fungiScreening
- Result type:
- Semi-quantitative
- Unit:
- CFU/100 mL
- Analytical method:
- Biological screen (non-EPA)
- Heterotrophic plate countScreening
- Result type:
- Semi-quantitative
- Unit:
- CFU/100 mL
- Analytical method:
- Biological screen (non-EPA)
You get
- Signed laboratory report, filed in your lake's Documents & Reports
- Each result loaded into your lake's Data Library (Plus, Lake Admin, PRO)
How it's produced
- Test type
- Biological community screen (151 organisms + 4 indicators)
- Sample
- One surface-water grab sample, collected by you with the kit
- Return shipping
- Prepaid 2-day return to the laboratory
- Analyzed by
- Independent accredited partner laboratory, with full chain of custody
- Method basis
- Non-EPA screening
- Turnaround
- 8 business days from lab receipt
- Analytical method
- Biological screen (non-EPA)
Full organism list
Full list published on this page before launch.
How (lab/instrument, method)
- Test type
- Biological community screen (151 organisms + 4 indicators)
- Sample
- One surface-water grab sample, collected by you with the kit
- Return shipping
- Prepaid 2-day return to the laboratory
- Analyzed by
- Independent accredited partner laboratory, with full chain of custody
- Method basis
- Non-EPA screening
- Turnaround
- 8 business days from lab receipt
- Analytical method
- Biological screen (non-EPA)
Limits (MDL/RL, resolution, interval)
Published limits appear with their parameters in the measurement box above. Unspecified detection limits, reporting limits, resolution, and reading intervals are not inferred.
Value type
Not supplied in the product's published methods.
What it can and can't tell you
Every result shows the date and time the sample was collected. Results reflect one sample, collected at a specific place and depth, and analyzed by an independent accredited laboratory using the method listed on this page. Lake conditions change across a lake and over time, sometimes within hours, in ways a single sample may not capture. Every method has detection and reporting limits; where the laboratory provides them, they are reported with your results. A detection is not a diagnosis, and a non-detection does not prove absence. Results are not a regulatory or compliance determination unless the agency involved accepts them as one. Lake Pulse reports measurements; it does not determine whether water is safe for swimming, drinking, pets, or recreation. Always follow posted signs and your state or local health advisories. Recommendations are options to consider; decisions, and responsibility for any action taken, rest with you. This test uses a screening or non-EPA method. Results are intended for management decisions, not regulatory determinations.
Version and last updated date
- Methods version
- Not supplied in the product's published methods.
- Last updated
- Not supplied in the product's published methods.
