Liofilchem® ESC Swab with Buffered Peptone Water

The Liofilchem ESC Swab with Buffered Peptone Water is a device designed for microbiological surface monitoring using the swab sampling method. This tool is particularly suitable for the detection and enumeration of Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and Listeria spp. in foodstuffs and associated environments. It complies with ISO 18593 and ISO 17604 standards for food microbiology.

Key Features

1. Complete Sampling Device:
   • Includes a sterile swab attached to the cap of a transparent tube containing liquid Buffered Peptone Water.
   • Ready-to-use format simplifies surface sampling procedures.
2. Buffered Peptone Water Medium:
   • Formulated to recover sub-lethally injured cells prior to selective enrichment and isolation.
   • pH-adjusted (7.0 ± 0.2) for optimal recovery of microorganisms.
3. Surface Monitoring Applications:
   • Detection and enumeration of Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and Listeria spp..
   • Compatible with food production environments for compliance with ISO standards.
4. Sample Transport and Pre-Enrichment:
   • The same tube can be used for transport and incubation during the pre-enrichment step, minimizing contamination risks.

Applications

1. Food Safety:
   • Monitoring surfaces in food production and handling facilities.
2. Pathogen Detection:
   • Recovery of Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and Listeria spp. from food and associated surfaces.
3. Hygiene Compliance:
   • Ensure compliance with ISO standards (ISO 18593, ISO 17604, etc.) for microbiological surface monitoring.

Technical Specifications

Test Procedure

1. Sample Collection:
   • Unscrew the tube cap containing the swab.
   • Remove excess liquid by pressing the swab against the tube wall.
   • Use the swab to streak the surface horizontally and vertically, rotating it during sampling.
2. Transport and Recording:
   • Return the swab to the tube, securely close the cap, and label with date and sampling point.
   • Transport to the laboratory for analysis.
3. Incubation and Analysis:
   • Incubation during pre-enrichment can be conducted directly in the tube.

Quality Control

• Tested with the following strains:
  • Salmonella Typhimurium (WDCM 00031)
  • Salmonella Enteritidis (WDCM 00030)
  • Escherichia coli (WDCM 00012)
  • Listeria monocytogenes (WDCM 00021)

Warnings and Precautions

• Product is not hazardous but should be handled by trained operators.
• Do not use if signs of contamination or deterioration are visible.
• For professional use only.

Presentation Options

Advantages

1. Compliance with Standards:
   • ISO 18593 and ISO 17604 for surface microbiology sampling.
2. Ease of Use:
   • Integrated swab and tube design simplifies collection, transport, and incubation.
3. Versatile Applications:
   • Suitable for various pathogens, ensuring safety in food production environments.
4. Cost-Effective:
   • Dual functionality of transport and pre-enrichment reduces handling steps.

The Liofilchem ESC Swab with Buffered Peptone Water is an essential tool for ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance in industrial and laboratory settings.

When selecting a swab sampler for microbiological surface monitoring, it's essential to consider the specific features and applications of each product. Below is a comparison between the Liofilchem® ESC Swab with Buffered Peptone Water and the 3M™ Swab-Sampler with Neutralizing Buffer:

Product Overview

Key Considerations

• Neutralizing Capability: The 3M™ Swab-Sampler contains a Neutralizing Buffer, which is advantageous for sampling surfaces that may have residual disinfectants, as it inactivates bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of sanitizers. In contrast, the Liofilchem® ESC Swab with Buffered Peptone Water does not contain neutralizing agents; therefore, for areas where residual disinfectants are present, alternative collection media with neutralizing agents are recommended.
• Swab Design and Accessibility: Both products feature a swab integrated with a vial containing the medium. The 3M™ Swab-Sampler is designed to reach into corners and hard-to-reach areas, enhancing sampling accuracy.
• Compliance and Certification: The Liofilchem® ESC Swab complies with ISO standards pertinent to surface sampling in the food industry. The 3M™ Swab-Sampler is ISO 9001:2008 certified, ensuring adherence to quality management systems.

The choice between the Liofilchem® ESC Swab with Buffered Peptone Water and the 3M™ Swab-Sampler with Neutralizing Buffer should be based on the specific requirements of the sampling environment:

• For environments where residual disinfectants are present, the 3M™ Swab-Sampler is more suitable due to its neutralizing capabilities.
• For areas without residual disinfectants, the Liofilchem® ESC Swab is appropriate, especially when targeting specific pathogens like Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and Listeria spp.

Assessing the specific conditions and requirements of your sampling environment will guide the optimal choice between these two products.