Interpreting the Test Results & Recommended Actions Following Test Outcomes
Each 3n1 Test Kit has three test strips – One for all relevant Bacteria that grow in diesel, one for all relevant Fungi/yeast & moulds and the third for H.res (the dangerous organism Hormoconis resinae – known as the Diesel Bug or Jet Fuel Fungus). Each Test Strip is made up of two LFD’s (Lateral Flow Devices). These are the HIGH and LOW LFD Test Paddles.
Each LFD Paddle has a “C” for the Control Line and a “T” for the Test Line. The lines will appear in the viewing windows opposite the letter. Note: A difference in the strengths of the “C” and “T” lines is quite normal.
The examples shown below are a set of HIGH and LOW LFD’s from one test strip – Marked as HIGH and LOW to aid the visual explanation of the Control and Test lines.
Failed Test
If there is no red “C” line visible or a blue line is present on one or more of the two LFD’s, then this test is invalid and must be re-run again using a new test kit. Re-test even if there is a line opposite the “T” as this result may be inaccurate due to the failed test.
A failed test may have resulted from fuel mistakenly being put into the test well or as a result of excessive heat during long term storage. Note: if the LFD has not run and no red “C” line is visible after a few minutes then follow troubleshooting instructions and put and an extra drop into the test well.
Negative Result
When the test strip shows a “C” and “T” line on both HIGH and LOW LFDs, then this test result is Negative.
If all 3 test strips (Bacteria, Fungi & H.res) show this result (all 12 lines present) than the overall test result is Negative. This means that there is little or no live or relevant contamination growing in the tank or, if contamination is present then it is at such low levels that it requires no immediate action. This level of contamination is deemed to be Negligible.
Low Positive Result
When the test strip shows a “C” line on both LFDs, plus a “T” line on the HIGH LFD, but NO “T” line on the LOW LFD, then this test result is Positive at the Lower of the two settings.
Diesel Test (1 Low Positive) – If any one of the 3 test strips (Bacteria or Fungi or H.res) show this result (only 2 LOW LFD “T” lines present) than the overall test result is Low Positive. This level of contamination is deemed to be Moderate. This means that there are sufficient levels of live or relevant contamination present and that it is at a level that requires immediate action e.g. treatment of the fuel is required to stem the growth of the organisms (Bugs).
Diesel Test (2 Low Positives) – If any two of the 3 test strips (Bacteria or Fungi and/or H.res) show this Low Positive result (only 1 LOW LFD “T” line present) than the overall test result is High Positive. This level of contamination is deemed to be Heavy. This means that there are considerable levels of contamination present and that biomass is building in the tank system. This level of contamination requires immediate remedial action to stop and remove the growth i.e. where possible the tank should be drained, opened up and cleaned out and then the new fuel treated as the tank is refilled. Other options for remedial actions would be required should access to the tank be restricted. Contact Fuel Test for further advice.
Aviation Test (1 or 2 Low Positives) – If one or two of the 3 test strips (Bacteria or Fungi and/or H.res) show this result (only 1 or 2 LOW LFD “T” lines present) than the overall test result is Low Positive. This level of contamination is deemed to be Moderate. This means that there are sufficient levels of live or relevant contamination present and that it is at a level that requires immediate action to stem the growth of the organisms (Bugs). Follow industry regulatory guidelines as to treatment process.
High Positive Result
When the test strip shows a “C” line on both LFDs, but NO “T” line on either of the HIGH and LOW LFD’s, then this test is Positive at the Higher of the two settings.
Diesel & Aviation Tests (1 or more High Positives) – If any of the 3 test strips (Bacteria and/or Fungi or H.res) show this High Positive result (none, 1 or only 2 HIGH LFD “T” lines present) than the overall test result is High Positive. This level of contamination is deemed to be Heavy. This means that there are considerable levels of contamination present and that biomass has built up in the tank system. This level of contamination requires immediate remedial action to stop and remove the growth i.e. where possible the tank should be drained, opened up and cleaned out and then the new fuel treated as the tank is refilled. Other options for remedial actions would be required should access to the tank be restricted. Contact Fuel Test for further advice or follow industry regulatory guidelines as to tank cleaning and treatment processes.