Was sind Abklatschtests?

What are swab tests?

Hygiene control as the basis for hygiene safety and occupational safety

The swab test is a reliable, cost-effective and quick method for determining the microbial contamination of objects and people in the food production industry, the pharmaceutical industry and hygiene checks in medical facilities. A swab test can be used to test objects, clothing or hands for microbiological contamination. The sterile ready-to-use culture medium is pressed against the object in question in order to transfer the microorganisms (bacteria and/or fungi) found there. The container is then sealed and incubated in an incubator. Once the microorganisms have grown, the biological contamination can be determined. Taking into account the nutrient medium and the incubation temperature and duration, a statement can be made about the quantitative presence of microorganisms. Bacteria can be distinguished from molds and yeasts based on the appearance of the colonies. Additional methods are required for further differentiation.

What characterizes a good impression test?

  • Long shelf life of the culture media: 6 months from production
  • Simple handling: impression, smears or, under certain circumstances, immersion
  • Clear and simple evaluation: evaluation scheme
  • Safe and hazard-free disposal: Household waste or incineration

What can you achieve with this?

  • You motivate your employees to take greater personal responsibility in the workplace and promote their interest in hygiene in the company.
  • As a result, you can increase hygiene safety in your company.
  • You can make the hygiene status in your company visible at the desired time.
  • You have a further means (in addition to HACCP, hygiene plan, etc.) of complying with

What do you need to bear in mind when using the contact test?

  • The results of the total bacterial count or enteric bacteria can be evaluated 48 hours after the test has been used if incubated at 35 °C.
  • For the detection of fungi an incubation of 7 days at room temperature is necessary.
  • The test results are not immediately available.

Precautions

  • Always place the heating cabinet with the bacterial cultures outside of food areas.
  • Swab tests may only be used once and must be disposed of after reading, even if no growth is visible.
  • Do not open used tests. Readings are best taken on a well-lit workbench. The easiest way to remove traces of condensation on the wall of the test tube is to make a few vigorous downward swings.
  • The unused swab tests must be kept out of the reach of children, protected from daylight and draughts and stored at room temperature (e.g. in a cupboard or drawer).
  • If, despite all precautionary measures, skin contact with grown bacterial colonies occurs (e.g. through unintentional touching), the affected areas of skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and disinfected. If grown cultures enter the environment in any other way (soil, objects), the affected areas must also be thoroughly cleaned.
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