Effective microbiological sampling of critical surfaces and manufacturing areas
Ensuring comprehensive surface and environmental monitoring and consequently cleanliness across food production lines and surface areas to deliver food products that meet the highest standards of food quality and safety , requires the ability to capture and detect the presence of microbes or microorganisms safely and accurately . Medical Wire & Equipment ( MWE ) produce swabs , surface wipes , sponges and kits that are designed to collect and transport bacterial samples , working across all surfaces , with a variety of sampling applicators . MWE swabs help ensure sample capture and enable reliable , accurate and precise results , minimizing regulatory risk .
NRS Transwab ® is MWE ’ s name for its range of swab based environmental sampling devices for the food , pharmaceutical , biotechnology and cosmetic industries . All of these devices feature a leak proof labelled self-standing screw cap tube made from shatterproof polypropylene , with a high visibility blue shaft attached to the cap . The swab features a rayon or dacron bud that can remain immersed in liquid , yet retains a high standard for absorption , survival and release of microorganisms . The tubes are pre filled with a range of buffers and media appropriate for particular applications . NRS Transwab ® can contain a variety of solutions filled at 10ml , 5ml or
30 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
1ml . Neutralising Rinse Solution , Buffered Peptone water , Butterfield Buffer , Letheen Broth , Maximum Recovery Dilutant and Tryptic Soy Broth .
Sampling of larger food contact surfaces and carcasses effectively , requires different devices . Sponge swabs are especially recommended for the sampling of larger areas for the detection of controlled pathogens such as Listeria , Salmonella , and Coliforms .
MWE ’ s Polywipe™ is sterile pre-moistened blue sponge swab , ready to use and highly effective for the sampling and microbiological assessment of a wide variety of surfaces . Manufactured from a bright blue special sponge material that prevents shedding and contains no inhibitory substances , it is convenient for flat or irregular surfaces , such as conveyor belts and machines parts , as well as floors , walls , drains and ceilings . The wipes are premoistened with a phosphate buffer and individually sealed in an easy to open tamper proof pouch , they can be stored at room temperature and are terminally sterilised by gamma radiation . It can be supplied with gloves , resealable bags and
a pre-printed label for recording required details .
The company also has dedicated swabs and kits designed for the detection of microbial contamination and sampling of critical surfaces including nozzles and equipment in sterile production facilities .
Steriswab™ has a rayon bud and blue plastic shaft with a 45mm breakpoint . It comes premoistened with a sterile phosphate buffer . The SteriKit™ also contains a tube with a semi-solid enriched growth medium . Upon incubation bacteria will grow and cause the medium to change colour from purple to yellow in 48 hours .
For active surveillance , MWE also has Isolation Transwab ® which is a selfcontained environmental sampling swab with easy read colour change medium that can generate results within 24 hours and is available as dedicated Listeria Isolation Transwab ®, Coliform Isolation Transwab ®, Salmonella Isolation Transwab ® and Hygiene swab™ for gross microbial contamination .
www . mwe . co . uk