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Category: Applied and Industrial Microbiology
Surface Sampling, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555817473/9781555814502_Chap05-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555817473/9781555814502_Chap05-2.gifAbstract:
This chapter covers the following topics: surface sampling approaches, interpretation of results, preparation of surface sampling kits and tools, and an approach to handling suspicious-powder incidents. Two basic elements must be present in any plan to collect biological agents: the use of sterile equipment and the use of the aseptic technique. To ensure the reliability of the results, it is critical to ensure that the media, solutions, and sample containers are sterile and remain sterile until they contain sample material. The methods presented in the chapter include HEPA vacuum collection socks, microvacuuming, and bulk collection. As noted, the publications discussed here illustrate the need to evaluate each sampling device for its intended use and recovery of specific agents. Included in the chapter is a list of the materials needed to collect up to 50 samples from a variety of media for a variety of biological agents. Although surface sampling appears to be a simple task, the chapter conveys some of the complexities involved in obtaining samples and interpreting the information gathered from them. At the end of the day, a good sampling strategy for the various investigation phases, a consistent approach, an understanding of the limitations of the different sampling methods, and a thorough knowledge of the target organism are the most important factors in obtaining the best possible information from a surface sampling event.
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Sponges. Clockwise from top left: premoistened cellulose sponge (Solar Biologicals, Ogdensburg, NY); all-purpose gauze sponge (Kendall Healthcare, Mansfield, MA); Spongesicle (Biotrace, Bothell, WA).
Sponges. Clockwise from top left: premoistened cellulose sponge (Solar Biologicals, Ogdensburg, NY); all-purpose gauze sponge (Kendall Healthcare, Mansfield, MA); Spongesicle (Biotrace, Bothell, WA).
Swabs. From top to bottom: macrofoam applicator (Critical) swab (VWR International, West Chester, PA); cotton-tipped applicator swab (Baxter Healthcare Corp., McGaw Park, IL); polyester fiber-tipped applicator swab (Becton Dickinson and Company, Sparks, MD); rayon-tipped applicator swab (Hardwood Products Company LLC, Guilford, ME).
Swabs. From top to bottom: macrofoam applicator (Critical) swab (VWR International, West Chester, PA); cotton-tipped applicator swab (Baxter Healthcare Corp., McGaw Park, IL); polyester fiber-tipped applicator swab (Becton Dickinson and Company, Sparks, MD); rayon-tipped applicator swab (Hardwood Products Company LLC, Guilford, ME).
An X-Cell 200 HEPA vacuum sample kit with filter sock and disposable nozzle assembly (Midwest Filtration Co., Cincinnati, OH).
An X-Cell 200 HEPA vacuum sample kit with filter sock and disposable nozzle assembly (Midwest Filtration Co., Cincinnati, OH).
A Micro-Vac, a 37-mm microvacuum cassette (SKC, Inc., Eighty Four, PA).
A Micro-Vac, a 37-mm microvacuum cassette (SKC, Inc., Eighty Four, PA).
A personal sample pump (SKC Inc., Eighty Four, PA).
A personal sample pump (SKC Inc., Eighty Four, PA).
Neutralizing agents a
Neutralizing agents a
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services list of select agents a
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services list of select agents a
Comparison of surface sampling methods for select biological agents a
Comparison of surface sampling methods for select biological agents a
List of supplies for a biological-agent sampling kit
List of supplies for a biological-agent sampling kit
Contact information for possible suppliers
Contact information for possible suppliers
Guidance on initial responses to a suspicious letter or container with a potential biological threat a
Guidance on initial responses to a suspicious letter or container with a potential biological threat a
Handling of suspicious packages or envelopes a
Handling of suspicious packages or envelopes a