Microbiology: Surface Monitoring - Overview

Discover That Mandatory Surface Monitoring Can Be Fun!


	Millipore's Swab Test Kits use a swab and sampler combination to monitor microorganisms on equipment and other surfaces. You can test for surface contamination without mixing media, pouring agar plates, or sterilizing equipment. The only other item you need is an incubator.

Environmental monitoring is required for aseptic manufacturing processes and controlled areas in many industries. Because aseptic processing relies on the exclusion of microorganisms from the performed operation and the prevention of exogenous microbial contamination, a good environmental monitoring program is an important control for achieving Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Surface monitoring helps you assess the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitizing practices, identify potential routes of contamination, and take corrective actions before contamination occurs.

You can use either contact plates or swabbing to measure microbial contamination of surfaces. Contact plates are acceptable for testing surfaces that are level and easily accessible. When the surface is uneven or hard to reach, testing with swabs is the superior method. As an additional benefit, unlike contact plates, swab test kits leave no agar residue that requires extra clean up.

Achieve Optimal Surface Monitoring

Millipore’s Swab Test Kits provide a reliable and convenient method, based on membrane filtration, for monitoring microbial contamination on equipment and irregular surfaces. Obtaining reproducible results with the Swab Test Kits requires no special training.

To perform the test, you simply wipe the surface to be tested with the sterile swab; return the swab to the case containing sterile buffer solution; shake; and test the buffer solution using the sampler. The sampler consists of a plastic handle with a 0.45μM Millipore filter and an absorbent pad containing dehydrated nutrient media for recovery of specific organisms. When you immerse the sampler into the buffer solution, the absorbent pad rapidly draws 1mL through the filter. Bacteria are retained on the filter surface and the liquid hydrates the nutrient media. After incubating the sampler for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the test, you can count the colonies or make a quick estimate based on the Comparison Chart included with the kit.

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