The surface is wiped with a cellulose swab and any bacteria collected are transferred via the swab into a tube containing a special medium with an indicator dye, which is then incubated. Even a single bacterium is sufficient to cause a color change. This means that SwabChecks are about 1000 times more sensitive than the conventional ATP method. This accuracy is particularly important in the food industry. With this simple method, it is possible to identify microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, which must not be present in any concentration in food and beverages.

Features and Benefits
• The right test for each type of contamination
• Qualitative and semi-quantitative hygiene control
• Sterile packed and ready-for-use
• Easy to handle
• Rapid results
• Long shelf-life

SwabCheck Use
Handling is easy. Open the sterile pack, remove the swab and wipe it over an area of about 10 x 10 cm. Then twist off the cap of the medium tube and insert the swab so that the cap fits tightly. Label the sample tube and incubate at appropriate temperature.

A change in color indicates the presence of the microorganism in question. The quicker the color change occurs, the higher the bioburden. If no color change has been observed after the maximum incubation period has elapsed, then the corresponding microorganism is not present. Whatman offers SwabChecks in packs of 25 pieces. Shelf-life of 12 months.