Swab test types

Almost ubiquitously, ATP tests are employed to check plant hygiene. This includes both swab tests of vessels and pipework and liquid tests of CIP final rinse water. Typical sample locations and types are shown in Table 13.7. 

The starting analyte for all these assays is purified DNA. Pharmacogenetic testing lends itself well to DNA extracted from blood, saliva, or buccal swabs. Decisions about acceptable sample type should be based on the required DNA input for the method and the sample types cleared by the FDA. 

Immunocytochemistry can be a valuable tool for the determination of cellular contents from individual cell suspensions. Samples which can be analyzed include blood smears, aspirates, and swabs from any cellular site. Each sample is treated differently and yet all the methods are interchangeable. There is no one way to prepare these types of cell samples for immunocytochemical analysis. This chapter will deal with the most common forms of cell sample the swab, aspirate, smear, and touch preps. Blood can be analyzed as a smear but it presents more of a problem owing to the concentration of red blood cells. These cells have an oxidative type function and when using a peroxidase based detection system it can greatly interfere with the test. Concentrated cellular suspensions... 

Taking into account the matrix (solid, liquid, swab) and the values found for the 10 repetitions, we calculated the uncertainty associated with each standard point tested. The uncertainty values obtained range from 20 to 40% depending on the positivity level and the type of matrix. 

By combining swab and scrub test methods on the same site, differential identification of both surface and subsurface microorganisms can be obtained [60]. A study by Chevalier [18] compared results of the scrub method to results of aerobic counts obtained from biopsies with remarkable similarity in data sets. From detailed studies using the scrub test method, the percentage of different species and types can be calculated for various parts of the body [107]. Due to the aggressiveness of this method, skin damage inevitably occurs and some studies of the human skin, under dynamic conditions, are precluded. 

Note Bleeding may occur when testing surfaces that are painted red. Moisten cotton-tipped applicators with a few drops of distilled white vinegar. Rub the moistened cotton on the red surface. If a red color appears on the cotton, Lead Check swabs cannot be used. Send a sample of the material to a certified laboratory or use another type of field procedure for further testing. 

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