To send us a sample for allergen testing, please order a swabbing kit from the AsureQuality dispatch team, by sending a consumables order form to dispatchakl@asurequality.com.
Contents of the swabbing pack
- 1x Diluted swabbing buffer
- 1x Sterile swab in a sealed self-contained tube.
Note: Use 1x swab per allergen.
Procedure:
1. Record the required information onto the Sterile Swab Tube (example: “gluten, tabletop, date’’)
2. Mark out or estimate a swabbing area of approximately 5cm x 5cm, or use disposable 25cm2 templates also available from AsureQuality.
3. Remove the sterile swab from its tube and moisten the end of the swab by dipping it into the tube containing the 1mL of allergen swabbing buffer.
4. Swab the entire area under test using the pre-moistened swab. This is achieved by rolling the swab from left to right over the selected area. Rotate the swab 90° and repeat top to bottom using the same rolling/sweeping motion.
Note: Do not re-dip the swab into the buffer once swabbing commences.
5. Place the used swab back into the original pre-labelled tube. Seal and refrigerate as soon as possible.
6. Place the swabs and submission form into a chilly bin and return to the laboratory.
Selecting the correct test variation:
When submitting allergen swabs, select the dedicated swab-only test variation for each allergen where available. These variations are intended specifically for swab samples and help us process your request accurately.
Please use one swab per allergen and clearly record the allergen and swab location on the tube, for example “gluten, tabletop, date”