Eijkman test

For other uses, see Eijkman (disambiguation).

Eijkman test, or differential coliform test,^[1] or confirmed Escherichia coli count,^[1] is a test used for the identification of coliform bacteria from warm-blooded animals based on the bacteria's ability to produce gas when grown in glucose media at 46°C (114.8°F).^[2][3]

The test to determine whether coliform bacteria come from warm-blooded animals. By means of this test it can be readily established if water has been polluted by human and animal defecation containing coli bacilli.^[4]

The test was introduced by Christiaan Eijkman (1858–1930) in his paper in 1904.^[5]