Microbiological surface swabbing according to ISO-BS 18593

Use of the swab inside the area delimitated by the “Area Space 100” (Code: 20918) according to ISO-BS 18593 – 6.3.1.

• Method of use

1. Moisten the tip of the swab by immersing it in the tube containing the dilution liquid

2. Press the tip of the swab against the wall of the tube to remove excess water

3. Place the “Area Space 100” on the surface to be investigated and streak the area of 100 square centimeters whilst rotating the swab between thumb and forefinger in two directions at right angles to each other

4. Put the swab in the tube with dilution liquid and transfer it to the analytical laboratory as soon as possible.

Environmental Relative Moldiness Index

“ERMI” is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, the combination of EPA research and a new method to screen homes for moulds. Based on recently published data from EPA researchers and the 2006 HUD American Healthy Home Survey, the test has been developed as a tool to evaluate the potential risk of indoor mould growth and associated health effects.

This invaluable method provides an objective and standardised system for screening homes for moulds.

The “ERMI” application

The “ERMI” test is used to evaluate the “mouldiness” in any indoor environment and make an assessment of the healthy or unhealthy condition. 

The concentration of different mould species in “mouldy homes” (homes with visible mould growth) and “reference homes” (homes without visible moulds) were compared by the EPA.

Based on these results, mould species were selected and grouped into those with higher concentration in mouldy homes (group 1) and those with lower concentration (group 2).

For the calculation of the ERMI, all concentrations are log-transformed and the sum of group 2 is subtracted from the sum of group 1. The results are obtained in low, moderate or high risk.

Sampling Instructions

(a) Collection of carpet dust samples

(b) Collection of air

Reference:

- www.emlab.com/services/ERMI-testing

Good  hands monitoring in production

A correct hand washing technique is determinative for food safety and shelf-life. An effective “after washing” direct microbial monitoring of palms, nails, fingers, fingertips and in-between finger should be applied in each food production plant.

This monitoring can provide an effective demonstration tool of good technique during hygiene training in production.

Two are the systems to be used for this washing direct monitoring of the hands:

(a) The Maxi Contact Plate for four fingers all together

(b) The Swab for palm, nails, fingers, fingertips and in-between fingers

The two systems should be used in combination.