Promedia ST-25 swab test for surface microbiological sampling | Elmex

1. Intended use

The Promedia ST-25 surface microbiology swab test contains a sterile swab in 10 ml of sterile PBS buffer (Phosphate Buffer Saline) for the quantitative detection of microorganisms in environmental samples in combination with ready-to-use freeze-dried agar culture plates Compact Dry from Shimadzu (Nissui).

2. Overview of the Promedia ST-25 product

The PromediaST-25 swab test (a swab test combining the sampling tool, the dilution buffer and the sample dissolution tool). The swab test allows environmental sampling under sterile conditions and is intended to be used in combination with RIDA®COUNT or Compact dry culture plates for hygiene monitoring.

3. Test principle

The PromediaST-25 microbiology swab test (swab test) contains a swab in 10 ml of PBS buffer. The swab is fixed in the tube cap. After sampling, the PBS buffer serves as the dilution medium. The sample is mixed by shaking the tube and 1 ml of the sample is poured through the small cap of the tube; this 1 ml is pipetted onto the ready-to-use culture plate Compact Dry. The inoculated culture plates are incubated according to their specification and checked for typical colonies.

4. Reagents supplied

Each test kit contains: 10 swab tests (each containing a swab in 10 ml of sterile PBS buffer)

5. Materials required but not supplied

- Microbiology incubator (minimum 35°C / 95°F): mini CULTURA® model, product code ZC7140651.
- Compact Dry ready-to-use freeze-dried agar culture plates. In principle all available Compact Dry plate types are suitable for use in combination with the PromediaST-25 microbiology swab test.

6. Warnings and precautions for the user

The PromediaST-25 microbiology swab test is for in vitro use only. Do not use it after the expiry date on the kit label.

7. Storage instructions

PromediaST-25 is stable at temperatures from 2 to 25 °C until the expiry date on the kit label.

8. Signs of instability or deterioration of the reagents

Tubes that are discoloured or cloudy should be discarded

9. Performing the test

1. Write the sample ID on the label of the buffer tube.
2. Open the screw cap of the buffer tube and take out the swab.
3. Wipe the sampling surface (approx. 10x10cm) with the swab and put the swab back into the buffer solution. Close the screw cap tightly.
4. Mix the sample by shaking the tube.
5. Distribute 1 ml of the sample buffer onto the Compact Dry culture plate (1 ml graduation on the tube; 1 ml ≙ approx. .. 20 drops). Further 1 ml portions can be applied to different culture plates (for example: Coliforms, Staph. Aureus, etc.)
6. Incubate the Compact Dry culture plates under the manufacturer's specified temperature conditions.
7. Count the grown colonies.