Virus-like particles in water (VLP)
General information about viruses
Viruses are found almost everywhere, often in numbers that significantly exceed the total number of bacteria in water samples. Viruses are difficult to grow because a host organism is always needed. Since most viruses are host-specific, it becomes completely impossible to grow all viruses in a water sample. However, some indicator viruses are routinely grown, for instance, somatic coliphages which indicate the presence of wastewater. But if you want to assess how well a purification step separates viruses, other methods are needed, e.g. analysis of VLP.
In microbiological examinations of water, especially when it is suspected that viruses (and also bacteria) can cause problems with quality or health, determination of the total number of virus-like particles gives a good picture of the water's viral status. The method is based on filtering the water sample through a virus-tight filter with subsequent staining and number determination under a microscope. At the same time as counting virus-like particles, the total number of bacteria can be determined.
Method of analysis
The method of analysis is based on a method for determining the number of viruses using a so-called epifluorescence microscope. A certain volume of the water sample is filtered through a virus-tight filter and then the virus is stained with a fluorescent dye called SYBR Gold. The filter is placed in a microscope with special lighting that makes viruses and bacteria glow green, which makes them easy to count.
Sample types
The method can be applied to most environmental waters such as tap water, well water, water from sea, and lake.
| Analysis cost | Price SEK (excl. VAT) |
| Total number of viruses in water samples | 1925 kr |
| Total number of viruses and bacteria in water samples | 2060 kr |
| Photographic documentation of viruses and bacteria present | 485 kr |
VLP in a raw water, small dots (8,000,000 VLP / mL), the larger structures are bacteria. Photo: Micans
Sampling and shipping
Samples should be taken in 50-mL clean and sterile test tubes. In order for the samples to be stable, it must be kept cool at 5 ° C ± 3 ° C during transport. In the laboratory, the sample is stabilized directly with formaldehyde.
Note that the samples must be delivered directly to the laboratory (not to delivery points).
Microbial Analytics Sweden AB
Bruksgatan 17
SE-435 35 Mölnlycke, Sweden
Delivery time
Test results are normally submitted 2-3 working days after arrival. Order test tubes and analysis as well as collection of samples Contact us by phone on +46 31 338 32 30 or at analys@micans.se to order test tubes and order forms. It is an advantage for the laboratory's planning if you can inform us about the type of sample, number of samples and estimated arrival date in advance. Samples and completed delivery notes are then sent to the laboratory according to the instructions.
Collection of samples
Micans can arrange for collection and transport of samples at actual cost price, you will then receive shipping notes to be placed on the transport boxes.
Micans need to know the physical collection address, contact details of the person on site and the time when the samples are ready for collection. There must be a responsible person on site who hands over the samples to the transport company.
Contact us for a quote if you want Micans' staff to perform sampling on site. If you want to analyze more than 10 samples per day, the laboratory must be contacted at least 2 days in advance.
Quotation can be submitted for larger orders.
For questions, contact us on +46 31 338 32 30 or at analys@micans.se
