Environmental Monitoring
Specifics
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Limit of Detection
1 Viable Cell
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Sample Size
1 Swab
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Turnaround Time
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PathogensNext Business Day*
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Indicator Organisms
2 Business Days
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Yeast & Molds3 Business Days
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*If samples are received by 3 pm.
Overview
Let us help you monitor the health of your production plant. Our advanced PCR technology, using GENE-UP® and BAX®, can detect as few as one viable cell in a sample, with results available as soon as the next day. This allows you to trust your results and make informed decisions about releasing your product into the market.
We proudly provide environmental swabs containing HiCap™ Neutralizing Broth, a superior medium for the recovery of microorganisms from surfaces.
We now offer simultaneous enrichment and detection of Listeria and Salmonella from the same swab via bioMeriéux GENE-UP® EnviroPRO™.
Additional offerings include ambient air testing and in-line testing of your air compressor lines, which we can conduct on-site. Contact us for more information.
Ask us about post sanitation allergen removal verification.
Results Interpretation
Routine testing is important to develop baseline data so that out-of-spec products can be identified.
Murray-Brown Laboratories can assist in interpreting this data and troubleshooting acute spoilage incidents.
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Detection of a Pathogen
- Pathogens (Listeria spp., Salmonella spp. and STEC) results of negative, absent, or otherwise non-detect are acceptable.
- The presence of a pathogen requires corrective action.
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Suggested Quantitative Limits for Contact Swabs
- Total Bacterial Load (APC): ≤ 100 CFU/swab
- Indicator Organisms: < 10 CFU/swab
- Read more about Microbiological Results on Environmental Swabs
- Reclean & sanitize to reduce bacterial loads; repeat swab analysis to verify effectiveness of mitigatory actions.
FAQ
Do you provide swabs?
Yes, we provide swabs produced by World Bioproducts hydrated with HiCap™ Neutralizing Broth for clients who return them to us for analysis. (Please note that you will be charged for unreturned swabs)
You can download instructions Here.
As well, feel free to refer to the video on the World Bioproducts Page
Polyurethane Sponge
A biocide-free, medical grade material that resists tearing and flaking, and won’t inhibit the growth of microorganisms or interfere with downstream diagnostic tests.
HiCap™ Neutralizing Broth
An advanced sample collection solution designed specifically for food safety, that improves the recovery of microorganism from surfaces and unlike other collection solutions, it maintains the viability of stressed and injured cells for up to 72 hours after collection.
What testing can you perform on 1 swab?
How should I store my swabs before use?
- Never freeze swabs
- Store at 2 - 30°C for up to 24 months or until the expiration date printed on the bag.
- Keeping swabs sealed in their foil bag prevents loss of liquid buffer.
- Do not use if the sponge is dry and void of liquid buffer
- Use before the expiration date printed on the product (typically 1 to 2 years)
How should I handle swabs after collection?
It is recommended that samples be analyzed as soon as possible after collection.
- Samples collected using HiCap Neutralizing Broth may be held at refrigerated temperatures (2-8 ° C) for up to 72 hours prior to analysis.
- Never freeze swabs.
Samples should be stored in the refrigerator or packed on ice to maintain refrigerated temperatures.
Shipping Directions
- Transport with ice packs without direct contact with the swab (i.e. insulate with paper towels).
- Please do not use Dry Ice and do not freeze samples
- Ship next day priority, ship Mon-Wed, avoid shipping on Thu and Fri.
- Avoid Saturday deliveries. If you must send for Saturday delivery:
- You must select Saturday delivery with priority service from the carrier.
- Contact us to alert us of the expected delivery, including the tracking number.
Ship or deliver samples to:
Murray-Brown Laboratories, Inc
Attn: Sample Receiving
11455 Pearl St., Northglenn, CO. 80233
Do you report directly to the FDA, USDA, State or any other regulatory agency?
Environmental Monitoring Sample Submission Form
Your order has been placed. Please include a copy of the order with your shipment.
Please pay your invoice on the Pay Invoice page.
