FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sanitation and sterilization has taken on new importance and attention. Given the changing regulations and testing requirements, we have included several of the frequently asked questions we receive during our training sessions. If you don't see your question here, please submit it and we will get back to you with the answer.

Question Topic

1) What is the difference between QT-10 and QT-40 and can I use either one?

The Micro Essential Laboratory Hydrion test kits are specific in nature and are made to work with a specific Quat formulation.  QT-10 is made to work with 2 chain quat solutions where QT-40 is made to work with 4 chain quat solutions. 

2) How do I know which kit to use with my Quat?

 The chemical manufacture sometimes puts the testing range on the chemical label.  If the testing range is 200 ppm, you have a 2 chain quat and you would use QT-10 if the testing range says 150 – 400 ppm, you have a 4 chain quat and you would use QT-40.  If the label does not offer the ppm testing range, you need to look for the active ingredients 

 

3) Can I use QT-10 and QT-40 to test ammonia concentrations?

The Hydrion QT-10 and QT-40 are for testing Quaternary Ammonia solutions, not ammonia solutions.  The test kits will not give an accurate reading for that chemical.

4) What happens if the quat solution I am testing is hotter than the 65 -75 degrees listed on the instruction card?

Hot water increases the speed of the chemical reaction in the test paper making the 10 second time for the dip give a false high reading.  The best way to test hot solutions is to remove a sample and let it cool off then come back to it when it has reached an appropriate temperature and run the test again.

5) What happens when the quat solution I am testing is lower than the 65 – 75 degrees listed on the instruction card?

Cold water slows down the chemical reaction in the test paper making the 10 second dip time provide a false low reading.  The best way to test cold solutions is to remove a sample and bring it someplace where it can warm up to the appropriate temperature for testing then run the test again.

6) What happens if I don’t blot my chlorine test paper like the instructions say?

Chlorine is a strong oxidant and blotting the excess solution from the test paper allows normal color development.  If you don’t blot\, the oxidation continues to develop, and you will get a false high reading.