SWAB SAMPLING FOR VALIDATION OF TEST SURFACES

1.0 OBJECTIVE
To lay down the procedure for swab sampling of test surfaces for validation
2.0 SCOPE
This SOP is applicable to Quality Control Department .
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
Microbiologist.
4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
Department Head.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 MATERIAL & REAGENTS
SWAB : Sterilized Johnson’s bud/Hi-media’s sterile cotton swab
TRANSPORT CONTAINER : Capped test tubes made of glass/ cotton plugged test tubes
SAMPLING SOLVENT : Sterile Normal Saline.
5.2 SWAB SAMPLING PROCEDURE
5.2.1 Remove a swab from it’s protective bag using a clean latex hand glove.
5.2.2 Avoid touching the swab head to prevent it’s contamination.
5.2.3 Transfer the swab in transport container (test tube) containing 10 ml of sterile saline and allow the swab to soak completely.
5.2.4 Take out the swab from water and squeeze the tip against inner surface of test tube to remove excess water in such a manner that excess water drips inside the test tube.
5.2.5 Hold the stem of swab without touching the head of the swab.
5.2.6 Using one side of moistened swab wipe the test surface of 2” x 2” with 10 firm horizontal strokes.
5.2.7 At the end of each stroke, lift the swab carefully.
5.2.8 Turn the swab cover to its other side, wipe the test surface of 2 “ x 2” with 10 firm vertical strokes.
5.2.9 At the end of each stroke, lift the swab carefully.
5.2.10 Hold the stem of the swab without touching the head of the swab and let the swab deep into the transport container. Cap /plug the transport container and send for analysis after labeling the same.