Nutrient Pad Sets – Product Range

The nutrient pads are offered as a complete set in 2 different pack sizes with 50 or 100 pieces. The packaging units contain the sterile nutrient pads in sterile Petri dishes and sterile, individually packed membrane filters with a diameter of 50 mm.

Your requirements regarding the type of membrane filter or the alternative diameter of 47 mm can be considered. Also membrane filters for the most common membrane dispenser systems are available. Please feel free to contact us.

NPS to determine the number of heterotrophic, mesophilic bacteria

The number of heterotrophic, mesophilic growing bacteria provides an indication of the general hygiene status of samples. Different nutrient media are recommended or specified for their determination depending on various regulations, standards or internal standards.

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
Caso-NPS
1030 / 1030-H
To determine the number of colonies in water, food, cosmetic and other test materials.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm1 - 3 days
at 37 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments are formed.Technical DS
mTGE-NPS
1113 / 1113-H
To determine the number of colonies in water, food and other test materials.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm1 - 3 days
at 37 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments are formed.Technical DS
Plate Count-NPS
1140 / 1140-H
To determine the number of colonies in water, milk and other food.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 30 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments are formed.Technical DS
R2A-NPS
1155 / 1155-H
To determine the number of colonies in water and other test materials. The poor medium offers undemanding and stressed water bacteria optimum growth conditions at low temperatures over longer periods of incubation.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm3 - 5 days
at 20 °C or
1 - 3 days
at 35 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments
are formed.
Technical DS
Standard-NPS
1190 / 1190-H
To determine the number of colonies in water, waste water and beverages.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 20 °C or
1 - 2 days
at 30 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments are formed.Technical DS
Standard-I NPS
1191 / 1191-H
To determine the number of colonies in water, waste water and beverages.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 20 °C or
1 - 2 days
at 30 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments are formed.Technical DS
Standard TTC-NPS
1200 / 1200-H
To determine the number of colonies in water, waste water and beverages.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 20 °C or
1 - 2 days
at 30 °C
Through the addition of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) all of the colonies appear to be reddish on account of the formation of formazan from TTC. This greatly facilitates the optical evaluation.Technical DS
Yeast Extract-NPS
1081 / 1081-H
To determine the number of colonies in water and waste water.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 30 °C
Beige, also coloured if pigments are formed.Technical DS

NPS for the detection and identification of E. coli and coliform bacteria

The presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli in particular is an indicator of faecal contamination. Whereas the majority of these enterobacteria are quite harmless, some representatives of this group can cause serious health problems. The test of food and beverages for the absence of these microorganisms before their release for trade is therefore regulated in ordinances.

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
Colichrom-NPS
1035 / 1035-H
For the selective and rapid quantitative detection and differentiation of E. coli, coliform and non-coliform bacteria in water, waste water and beverages.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm21 - 24 hours
at 36 ± 2 °C
Due to chromogenic compounds, E. coli forms blue colonies, the other coliform bacteria red colonies and the non-coliform microorganisms beige ones. Secondary gram-positive bacteria are inhibited by bile salts.Technical DS
ECD MUG-NPS
1080 / 1080-H
For the selective and direct quantitative detection of E. coli in water, waste water and beverages.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm18 - 24 hours
at 44 °C
The higher incubation temperature of 44 °C supports the growth of E. coli and at the same time inhibits the development of secondary bacteria. Colonies of E. coli are fluorescent under UV light (366 nm) and turn cherry red after indole staining. Secondary gram-positive bacteria are inhibited by bile salts. A further identification is not necessary according to the Swiss Food Code.Technical DS
Endo-NPS
1090 / 1090-H
To detect coliform bacteria in water, waste water and other samples.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm20 ± 4 hours
at 37 ± 1 °C
Colonies of coliform bacteria show a red colour, caused by the presence of fuchsine. E. coli strains develop a more intensive colour, with some strains even developing a metallic sheen. On account of a higher incubation temperature the development of E. coli is encouraged and the growth of secondary bacteria inhibited at the same time. Secondary gram-positive bacteria are also inhibited by bile salts.Technical DS
MacConkey-NPS
1098 / 1098-H
For the selective detection and differentiation of enterobacteriaceae in waste water, foods and other test materials.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm18 - 24 hours
at 37 ± 1 °C
E. coli forms red other coliform bacteria pink-coloured colonies. The colonies of Salmonella and Shigella remain colourless. Secondary gram-positive bacteria are inhibited by bile salts.Technical DS
mFC-NPS
1100 / 1100-H
For the detection of faecal coliform bacteria in waste water and other test materials.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm16 - 24 hours
at 44 °C
The higher incubation temperature of 44 °C supports the growth of E. coli and at the same time inhibits the development of secondary bacteria. E. coli usually forms blue colonies after 16 hours. Secondary gram-positive bacteria are inhibited by bile salts.Technical DS
Tergitol TTC-NPS
1220 / 1220-H
For the detection of coliform bacteria in water, waste water and other samples.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm18 - 24 hours
at 37 ± 1 °C
The fermentation of lactose, which all coliform bacilli are able to do, produces acid that turn the pH-indicator yellow. E. coli forms small yellowish colonies after 12 - 16 hours and later larger yellow-orange colonies with a yellow halo. Secondary lactose-negative bacteria form red colonies, some with a bluish halo. The colour depends on the respective strain. Secondary gram-positive bacteria are inhibited by bile salts.Technical DS

NPS for the detection of enterococci

Enterococci, which were formerly classified as streptococci, play an important role in the intestinal tract of humans and animals and are also used in the production of food. However, some representatives of these bacteria can cause serious illnesses in people with weakened immune systems. Tests of drinking, mineral and table waters are thus compulsory.

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
Azide-NPS
1010 / 1010-H
For the detection of enterococci in water and other test materials.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm44 ± 4 hours
at 37 ± 1 °C
Enterococci form small, dark-red colonies. The growth of secondary bacteria is inhibited by azide.Technical DS

NPS for the detection and determination of pseudomonads

Pseudomonads are ubiquitous. They can be found in water and soil as well as on and in plants and animals. Some representatives of these aerobic, gram-negative bacteria can be dangerous for humans. Tests of drinking, mineral, table and bathing water for pseudomonads is thus prescribed by law.

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
Cetrimide-NPS
1040 / 1040-H
For the detection of Ps. aeruginosa in water and cosmetic products as well as other test materials.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm44 ± 4 hours
at 37 ± 1 °C
Ps. aeruginosa form blue-green colonies with a blue halo. The growth of secondary bacteria is inhibited by cetrimide.Technical DS
Pseudomonas CN-NPS
1145 / 1145-H
For the detection of Ps. aeruginosa in water, waste water and other test materials.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm44 ± 4 hours
at 37 ± 1 °C
Ps. aeruginosa form blue-green colonies with a blue-green halo. The intensity of the colouring may differ and depends on the strain. The growth of secondary bacteria is inhibited by cetrimide and nalidixic acid.Technical DS

NPS for the detection of lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria are a heterogeneous group of anaerobic, but usually aerotolerant bacteria, all of which are able to ferment glucose to lactic acid. Although lactic acid bacteria play an important role in the production of food, the metabolic products of some representatives are unwanted in products from the beverages industry since they lead to off-flavours and spoilage. Routine tests for lactic acid bacteria in the production processes thus play an important role.

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
Beer-NPS
1020 / 1020-H
For the detection of beer-spoiling bacteria, including the genera Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Zymomonas.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 4 days
at 30 °C under anaerobic conditions
(microaerophilic)
The growth of yeasts and moulds is suppressed by Actidione.Technical DS
MRS-NPS
1110 / 1110-H
For the detection of lactic acid bacteria in soft drinks, foods and other test materials.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 4 days
at 28 °C under anaerobic conditions
(microaerophilic)
The growth of yeasts and moulds is suppressed by Actidione.Technical DS
Wine-NPS
1230 / 1230-H
For the selective detection of wine-spoiling bacilli, including the genera Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus und Pediococcus. Acetobacter can also be detected in anaerobic conditions.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 5 days
at 30 °C under anaerobic conditions
(microaerophilic)
The growth of yeasts and moulds is suppressed by Actidione.Technical DS

NPS for the detection of yeasts and moulds

Just like certain bacteria, yeasts and moulds play an important role in the production of food, for example beer, wine, cheese and bakery products. However, some representatives are unwanted in certain production processes since they lead to off-flavours, have a negative effect on the shelf life of the food or can even cause serious health problems for consumers. Production processes thus have to be monitored with respect to these microorganisms.

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
Brettanomyces-NPS
1025 / 1025-H
For the detection of brettanomyces yeasts in wine, beer and beverages containing fruit juice.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm4 - 7 days
at 25 °C
Brettanomyces yeasts form yellow to yellow-orange colonies with a yellow halo and are thus easy to differentiate from the generally white to cream-coloured colonies of other yeasts, which are furthermore largely inhibited by actidione.Technical DS
Lysine-NPS
1095 / 1095-H
For the selective detection of "wild yeasts" in breweries.Black with grid, pore size 0.8 µm2 - 5 days
at 25 °C
Only wild yeasts can use lysine as a sole source of nitrogen. They generally form white to cream-coloured, but occasionally also reddish colonies. Culture yeasts display no growth.Technical DS
Malt Extract-NPS
1099 / 1099-H
For the selective detection of yeasts and moulds in beverages, food and other test materials.Black with grid, pore size 0.6 µm2 - 5 days
at 25 - 30 °C
Yeasts form white to cream-coloured, occasionally also reddish colonies. Colonies of moulds are initially white with clearly visible aerial mycelium (velvety) and become coloured when forming conidia. The low pH-value of the medium inhibits the growth of most bacteria. Acid-tolerant bacteria, however, may occasionally appear as secondary flora.Technical DS
mGreen Y & M-NPS
1105 / 1105-H
For the detection of yeasts and moulds in sugar and beverages containing sugar.Black with grid, pore size 0.8 µm2 - 3 days
at 25 - 30 °C
The acid produced by the fermentation of sugar through yeasts and moulds turns the pH-indicator from blue-green to yellow and leads to yellowish colonies, some with a yellow halo. Non-acid-formers, on the other hand, are blue-green. The low pH-value of the medium inhibits the growth of most bacteria.Technical DS
OGY-NPS
1115 / 1115-H
For the selective detection of yeasts and moulds in foods, fruit juices and other test materials.Black with grid, pore size 0.6 µm2 - 5 days
at 25 - 30 °C
Yeasts form white to cream-coloured, occasionally also reddish colonies. The colonies of moulds are initially white with clearly visible aerial mycelium (velvety) and become coloured when forming conidia. The low pH-value of the medium and the presence of oxytetracycline largely inhibit the growth of bacteria.Technical DS
Osmophile-NPS
1130 / 1130-H
For the detection of osmophilic and osmotolerant yeasts and moulds in sugar, sweets and food containing sugar.Black with grid, pore size 0.8 µm5 - 7 days
at 25 - 30 °C
Yeasts form white to cream-coloured colonies. The colonies of moulds are initially white with clearly visible aerial mycelium (velvety) and become coloured when forming conidia. The high sugar content inhibits the growth of bacteria and non-osmotolerant yeasts and moulds.Technical DS
PRY-NPS
1143 / 1143-H
For detection and enumeration of preservative resistant yeasts, e.g. Zygosaccharomyces.Black with grid, pore size 0,45 µm3 – 5 days
at 25 °C
White to beigeTechnical DS
Sabouraud-NPS
1160 / 1160-H
For the detection of yeasts and moulds in cosmetic products, packaging material and for pure culture.Black with grid, pore size 0.8 µm2 - 5 days
at 25 - 30 °C
Yeasts form white to cream-coloured, occasionally also reddish colonies. The colonies of moulds are initially white with clearly visible aerial mycelium (velvety) and become coloured when forming conidia. The low pH-value of the medium inhibits the growth of most bacteria.Technical DS
Schaufus-Pottinger-NPS
1180 / 1180-H
For the detection of yeasts and moulds in sugar and beverages containing sugar.Black with grid, pore size 0.8 µm2 - 3 days
at 25 - 30 °C
The acid produced by the fermentation of sugar through yeasts and moulds turns the pH-indicator from blue-green to yellow and leads to yellowish colonies, some with a yellow halo. Non-acid-formers, on the other hand, are blue-green. The low pH-value of the medium inhibits the growth of most bacteria.Technical DS
Wort-NPS
1260 / 1260-H
For the detection of yeasts and moulds in beverages, foods and other test materials.Black with grid, pore size 0.6 µm2 - 3 days
at 25 °C
Yeasts form white to cream-coloured, occasionally also reddish colonies. The colonies of moulds are initially white with clearly visible aerial mycelium (velvety) and become coloured when forming conidia. The low pH-value of the medium inhibits the growth of most bacteria.Technical DS

NPS for the detection of special microorganisms or groups of microorganisms

NPS type
No. 50 / 100 units
ApplicationRecommended membrane filterRecommended incubation conditionGrowthData sheets (DS)
to download (pdf)
BAT-NPS
1015 / 1015-H
For the selective detection of Alicyclobacillus sp. in beverages containing sugar.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 5 days
at 43 - 45 °C
Alicyclobacillus sp. form cream-coloured colonies. The growth of other microorganisms is inhibited by the low pH-value and the high incubation temperature.Technical DS
Bismuth Sulfite-NPS
1250 / 1250-H
For the selective detection of salmonellae in water, food and other samples.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm24 - 48 hours
at 37 °C
Salmonellae form dark-brown to black colonies, usually with a light border and black halo ("fish eye").Technical DS
Chapman-NPS
1050 / 1050-H
For the selective detection of pathogenic staphylococci on foods and cosmetic test materials.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm24 - 48 hours
at 37 °C
Staphylococcus aureus forms yellow colonies with a yellow halo. The high concentration of sodium chloride largely inhibits the growth of secondary bacteria.Technical DS
Dextrose Tryptone-NPS
1070 / 1070-H
To determine the number of colonies of mesophilic microorganisms and to detect thermophilic spore-forming bacteria in sugar and food.White with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 30 °C (mesophilic)
or 1 - 2 days
at 55 °C (thermophilic)
"Flat-sour" colonies (Bacillus coagulans) are greenish-yellow with a yellow halo.Technical DS
Orange Serum-NPS, pH 5,5
1120 / 1120-H
For the detection of acidophilic and acidotolerant microorganisms in beverages and food.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 30 °C
Due to the composition and the low pH-value, both yeasts and moulds as well as acidotolerant bacteria can grow. Demanding lactobacilli can also develop under anaerobic incubation condition.Technical DS
Orange Serum-NPS, pH 3,1
1121 / 1121-H
For the detection of acidophilic and acidotolerant microorganisms in beverages and food.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 30 °C
Due to the composition and the low pH-value, both yeasts and moulds as well as acidotolerant bacteria can grow. Demanding lactobacilli can also develop under anaerobic incubation condition.Technical DS
Weman-NPS
1240 / 1240-H
For the detection of mucigenous bacteria on sugar, beverages containing sugar and food.Green with grid, pore size 0.45 µm2 - 3 days
at 30 °C
Slime-forming microorganisms (e.g. Leuconostoc sp.) form colourless, water drop-like colonies.Technical DS