SWAB TEST FOR LINEN

1.0 OBJECTIVE
To lay down a procedure for Swab Test of Linen.
2.0 SCOPE
This SOP covers the procedure for Swab Test of Linen and is applicable to Quality Control Department
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
Microbiologist
4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
Department Head.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 Prepare absorbent cotton swab or ready made sterile swabs can be used.
5.2 Keep the prepared swab in test tube containing 1 to 2 ml normal saline. (Ensure that the swab gets moistened.) Ready made swabs can be used directly as such.
5.3 Sterilize the containers along with the swabs at 15 lb, 121 OC for 20 min.
5.4 Swab about 2 x 2 sq. inch area of the linen with two sterilized cotton swabs . And immerse the swab in test tube containing 10 ml of sterile normal saline.
5.5 Streak one of the swab from all the sides on the surface of the soyabean casein digest agar plate and the other on the surface of sabourauds dextrose agar plates.
5.6 Incubate soyabean casein digest agar and sabourauds dextrose agar plates at 37OC and 22 °C for 5 days respectively.
5.7 Count the number of colonies on each plate and record the observation in annexure-I.
6.0 FREQUENCY
6.1 Once a month .
7.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Total microbial count = total bacterial count + total fungal count
Test: Finger dab
Alert Limit (Total microbial count):15
Action Limit (Total microbial count):25
6.1 If results are above alert limit, inform to concerned supervisor to improve the washing of the garment.
6.2 In case results reach the action limit, immediately instructions to be given to the concerned supervisor to change the lot of the garments and carry out investigation and take necessary action.