Surface Swab Testing

Trace Analytics is proud to offer third-party, accredited microbiological testing and analysis for surface swab testing.

Environmental Monitoring with Surface Swab Testing

The presence of unwanted, or pathogenic microorganisms in controlled environments in manufacturing facilities can be detrimental to the end-product, consumer, and reputation of the company. Bacteria, yeast, and mold are found everywhere in our environment. Surface swab testing is an excellent way to monitor corners, crevices, knobs, gloves, or hard to reach locations in your facility.

Regular environmental monitoring can assure manufacturers that harmful microbes are not impacting their products. From filtration, to sanitization, to personnel operations, microbiological testing can help ensure that your procedures and control methods are working effectively.

Microbiological testing helps clients meet program and certification requirements like HACCP, SQF, BRC, GMP, and more.

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Environmental Sampling Info

Why Perform Swab Testing

Microorganisms thrive in environments with water, oil, and warm temperatures. That said, many microorganisms can reproduce and spread under extreme conditions as well. Some are even able to consume plastic, rust, and oil for energy. Bacterial spores can be resistant to heat, UV and can remain dormant for long periods of time. Because of their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, surface swab testing is a exceptional way to identify microbial contamination in critical locations.

A thorough risk assessment and monitoring plan can help manufacturers understand risks unique to their facility. Regular surface swab testing can help provide trend analyses, telling users when and where certain types of microorganisms are likely to occur. Testing can also help ensure that your control procedures are working effectively. Microbial analyses identify bacteria, yeast, and mold present on surfaces.

Contact our microbial testing experts today.

What to Test For

microbial testing for bacteria

Bacteria

Can live in every environment, including extreme conditions. Bacterial contamination is considered a critical aspect for food and pharma manufacturers. Bacteria can spoil products, consume the product’s nutrients, or harm the consumers.

microbial testing for yeast

Yeast

Can be particularly beneficial to some food and pharma manufacturers, but an overgrowth can have negative impacts. Consumer illness, decomposition of foods, and resistance to decontamination processes are all negative effects of yeast contamination.

microbial testing for mold

Mold

Can be found anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. Mold can grow on any type of food, so food and beverage manufacturers should be particularly cautious of mold contamination. Oil droplets, water, and air can create a favorable breeding ground for mold to grow.

Surface Swab Testing

Swab and surface testing is easy with Trace Analytics. Our validated methods allow for peace of mind and quick results. Simply swab your sampling area with our wet or dry swab options, ship your samples to Trace where they will be incubated and analyzed. We have analysis options depending on your specific needs.

Choose between CFU counts, Gram staining, Presumptive Identification, or further identification.

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Testing with Trace Analytics

Trace Analytics is A2LA accredited to ISO 17025:2017 for microbial testing. To facilitate sampling, we offer either surface swabs, contact plates, settle plates, Trio.bas mono, or compressed air testing kits.

Detailed instructions, and step-by-step videos are available on our AirCheck Academy. It is recommended that users download and read the instructions prior to receiving their shipment to ensure proper sampling.

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Other Environmental Testing Services

MICROBIAL ID

Determine the genus/species of microbes present in your system.

AMBIENT AIR

Test ambient air for microbes with passive or active sampling.

CONTACT PLATES

Press the plate on to flat surfaces to sample for present microbes.

trace analytics - the compressed air testing lab

Testing Made SimpleAccurateEasy

Trace Analytics’ laboratory is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. We use state-of-the-art lab equipment that allows us to analyze hundreds of compressed air and environmental samples daily. The result is consistency, accuracy, precision, and rapid turnaround. Trace is an A2LA accredited laboratory complying with ISO 17025, certificate #0322-01.