This swabbing procedure is used for surveillance of pathogenic bacteria by qualitative testing where results are reported as Detected/ swab or Not Detected/ swab.

For example: Salmonella, Listeria and Cronobacter.

Please read and understand everything thoroughly before proceeding.

1. Sampling Kit Contents

• Ice packs
• Chilly bin
• Return address label
• Sterile Whirl pack bags
• Pre-moistened gauze swabs
• Sterile tweezers
• Temperature vial (to record temperature on arrival to the laboratory) – please fill with water

2. Critical Considerations

• Samples must reach the laboratory within 48 hours of being taken. Therefore, timing of sampling is critical. Please find out the courier pick-up time and plan to sample as close to this as possible.
• To be in a suitable condition for testing, samples must reach the laboratory between 0°C and 10°C.  Packing of the chilly bin for transit to the lab is critical to ensure the samples keep cool but do not freeze.
• Store swabs at 2-4°C.
• Do not use any consumable items that appear to have the seal compromised or that are expired.

3. General Notes

• Preparation for Sampling: Hydrate the ice packs (only if ice packs are not hydrated already) using a clean tray containing 1L of water.  Immerse the ice pack until the lobes are sufficiently full.  Alternatively hold the ice pack under running water until lobes are full.  Place into a freezer overnight. This is best done either as soon as you receive your kit or at least the day before sampling.
• Keep the swabs closed until immediately prior to use.

4. Method of collection for Environmental swab samples – Gauze Swabs

• Wear disposable gloves and sanitise them with an appropriate sanitizer prior to sampling.
• Aseptically open the container of sterile moistened gauze swabs. Do not touch the gauze or inside of the container.
• Remove a single gauze swab with sterile tweezers, and rub the swab using one side first, then the other, vigorously over the surface area to be tested. Choose areas where possible contamination may occur.
• Place the gauze swab into a sterile plastic bag, without touching the inside of the bag or the gauze swab, and then ensure that it gets tightly closed.
• Label the plastic bag clearly with the sample ID (swab number or site description) and send to the Laboratory for analysis.

5. Documentation

• Submit the testing requirements via LabConnect ensuring all details (sample details, name of sampler, sampling date and time) are recorded.
• Place the submission form into a plastic bag and place into the chilly bin.

6. Packaging and Transport

• Once all samples have been collected, pack the chilly bin for transit to the laboratory.
• Bundle the samples, the filled temperature vial, and the submission form (in the plastic bag) together. Ideally, the temperature vial should be fixed adjacent to the samples in the chilly bin.
• The packing of the chilly bin must protect the samples from extremes of temperature and minimise changes to the micro-flora during transit.  It must also ensure that the contents stay tightly packed and upright. You may have to arrange the contents a little to ensure a snug fit.  Any paper (including newspaper) or bubble wrap are good packers.
• Generally, it works to use one ice pack on the bottom of the chilly bin, and one on top of the samples – the provided ice pack can be cut in half.  The samples must not come into contact with the ice packs.
• Ensure the address label is prominently visible on the chilly bin lid.  Transport by courier without delay to:

AsureQuality Christchurch Laboratory
Unit 1, 6H Sir William Pickering Drive
Burnside
Christchurch 8053
Attention: Sample Reception

or

• Once the courier has picked up the chilly bin, send by email a copy of the submission form as a pre-alert to the laboratory  ChristchurchSR@asurequality.com or lynfieldsr@asurequality.com
• Include the following details in the email:
  • The date and time the first sample was taken
  • The courier ticket number
  • The courier pickup date and time

This information enables the laboratory to chase up the courier company if the samples are getting close to 48-hour deadline, to prevent samples being rejected.