IDEXX Tecta System

Complete, self-contained water testing system

U.S. EPA-approved for the detection of E. coli and total coliforms in drinking water*
Full automation of incubation and test interpretation eliminates the need for a visual read of the test
Results automatically sent by email
Positive results within hours
No sample preparation, easy-to-use system
Quantification and presence/absence modes
High dynamic counting range so there is no need for multiple dilutions

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Tecta B16 and Tecta B4 instruments

Tecta B16

Tecta B4

The Tecta B16 instrument has 16 incubation chambers and the Tecta B4 instrument has 4 incubation chambers, allowing you to choose the best system for your volume needs.
Test cartridges are available for detecting E. coli and total coliforms, E. coli only, fecal coliforms, and Enterococcus.
Cartridges are read continuously, and an email alert is sent automatically when a positive result is detected.
Positive results in as little as 2 hours, depending on level of contamination; negative results confirmed in 18 or 24 hours, depending on test type.
U.S. EPA approved for drinking water.*

Tectalert test cartridges

E. coli and total coliforms

E. coli

Fecal coliforms

Enterococcus

Typical detection times	Tectalert EC/TC (CCA) E. coli and total coliforms	Tectalert EC (ECA) E. coli	Tectalert FC (FCA) Fecal coliforms	Tectalert ENT (ENA) Enterococcus
< 1 CFU/100 mL	within 18 hours	within 16 hours	within 18 hours	within 24 hours
100 CFU/100 mL	within 12 hours	within 9 hours	within 10 hours	within 12 hours
1,000 CFU/100 mL	within 11 hours	within 8 hours	within 9 hours	within 10 hours
10⁶ CFU/100 mL	within 7 hours	within 4 hours	within 5 hours	within 4 hours

How it works

Easy workflow with fully automated water microbiology testing

Quantification

Step 1

Pour 100 mL sample into testing cartridge.

Step 2

Place cartridge in instrument and use control panel to start test.

Step 3

Results sent via email as soon as 2 hours for positive results.

Frequently asked questions

The Tecta B16 instrument can run 16 simultaneous tests in standard mode, while the Tecta B4 instrument can run 4 simultaneous tests in standard mode.

It is recommended that samples be inserted into the Tecta instrument within one hour of being added to the test cartridge. Some longer hold times may apply in certain circumstances—contact IDEXX to learn more.

Yes, you can add or remove test cartridges while other tests are running.

The Tectalert EC/TC test has a limit of detection of 1 CFU/100 mL for E. coli and 1 CFU/100 mL total coliforms in drinking water.

The Tectalert test cartridges have a shelf life of 15 months from the date of manufacture. Recommended storage conditions are 5°C–30°C and less than 60% humidity.

Periodic chamber verification is required and can easily be completed by trained personnel using the supplied validation cartridge. The frequency of when the validation cartridge should be used varies depending on the level of use of the instrument. Cleaning of the optical windows is recommended after use for optimal performance. Please refer to the instruction manual for additional details.