Procedure for Swab Sampling for Validation of Test Surface to Evaluate Cleaning Efficacy

Swab sampling procedure:

1. Pipette out 5 ml of sampling solvent in the transport container.
2. Remove a swab from its protective bag using a clean latex hand glove.
3. Avoid touching the swab head to prevent its contamination.
4. Transfer the swab in transport container (test tube) containing 5 ml of sampling solvent and allow the swab to soak completely.
5. Take out the swab from sampling solvent and squeeze the tip against the inner surface of the test tube to remove the excess solvent in such a manner that excess solvent drips inside the test tube.
6. Hold the stem of swab without touching the head of the swab.
7. Using one side of moistened swab wipe the test surface of 5 sq. inch with 10 firm horizontal strokes using a clean template.
8. At the end of each stroke, lift the swab carefully.
9. Turn the swab over to its other side; wipe the test surface of 5 sq. inch with 10 firm vertical strokes.
10. At the end of each stroke, lift the swab carefully.
11. Hold the stem of the swab without touching the head of the swab and let the swab drop into the transport container. Plug the transport container with stopper and send for analysis after adequately labeling the same.