To ensure optimal performance, Delvotest® microbial inhibition products such as Delvotest® T and Delvotest® SP NT should be stored and handled according to the recommendations below.
Shelf Life
Both Delvotest® T and Delvotest® SP NT have a shelf life of 12 months from the date of production, provided they are stored under the recommended conditions.
The Key Principle: Keep Tests Cool, Stable and Protected
Delvotest® products contain a microbiological agar medium and should be stored under stable conditions to ensure consistent test performance throughout the product's shelf life.
To protect the integrity of the tests:
- Store the products upright.
- Keep them in their original packaging.
- Store them protected from light.
- Maintain a constant temperature between 4°C and 8°C.
- Do not freeze the products.
Avoid exposing the tests to temperatures below the recommended range or to repeated temperature fluctuations. These conditions may cause the agar gel to soften, detach from the tube wall, or develop air bubbles. On the other hand, prolonged storage at higher temperatures may shorten the product's shelf life.
Transport Conditions
One of the advantages of Delvotest® products is that they can tolerate transportation at ambient temperatures for several days without affecting their performance. However, we always recommend verifying test performance upon arrival.
Always Verify Test Performance Upon Arrival
Establishing the Control Time is a standard procedure included in every Delvotest® test kit instruction. Verifying it upon arrival is therefore good practice and confirms that the tests have maintained their expected performance during transport and storage.
To do this:
- Open the package and select one ampoule or one block of 16 tests.
- Run a test using a known negative milk sample.
- Certified negative control milk is recommended.
- Alternatively, a full milking of an untreated animal 🔗 Best Practices // Collecting Milk
- Or organic retail cow milk (approximately 3.5% fat).
A valid negative result is indicated by the Control Time: the moment when the negative sample first begins to change colour towards yellow.
Our article 🔗 ✅ Establishing Control Time - Delvotest Help Center explains how to determine the correct reading moment and why it is important.
Expected Control Times
- Delvotest® T: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Delvotest® SP NT: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
If the colour change occurs within these specification ranges, the tests are in good condition and ready for use.
💬 Got any questions? Need help? Contact us at support@delvotest.com