SAMPLING FOR HAI's
ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACE SAMPLING
The culture swab is inexpensive and surfaces can be quickly sampled. It is a useful test for initial site sampling and can be used to narrow species level identification.
Materials:
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Sterile culturette/swab with appropriate buffer solution to collect and transport specimen (provided at your request by EMSL).
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Latex/nitrile gloves
Sample Collection:
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Wearing gloves, remove swab from packaging material.
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Remove plug from media tube.
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Swab the desired area thoroughly, rolling the swab lightly back and forth over sampling area.
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Insert the swab in the tube, firmly close cap, and label appropriately.
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For quantitative culture reporting, the area swabbed needs to be entered on the chain of custody.
Complete an EMSL Chain of Custody (COC), available on our website (www.emsl.com), detailing client name and information, project name or number, sample # and a description of the area.
Sample Shipment:
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Place samples in a cooler with reusable ice packs
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Overnight shipping recommended
