Environmental Surface Sampling Bags, Whirl-Pak® Speci-Sponge® - 532 ml Capacity are indispensable tools for professionals and laboratories that need to sample surfaces effectively and safely. These bags are designed to ensure sample integrity and facilitate microbiological analysis, making them ideal for the food industry, healthcare, and other environmental applications.

Product Description

Whirl-Pak® Speci-Sponge® bags are specifically made for sampling environmental surfaces in various situations, such as work areas, equipment, animal carcasses, and other critical locations. These bags are essential for testing the presence of foodborne pathogens, including Listeria, Salmonella, E.coli, coliforms, and anthrax.

Key Features

• Availability: Available with a dry or hydrated sponge to meet different sampling needs.


• Cold resistance: The bags can be frozen at any temperature, including liquid nitrogen, ensuring versatility. However, they must not be used at temperatures above 82 °C (180 °F).


• Safety: The use of sterile gloves during the sampling operation is recommended to prevent contamination. Some sets include a disposable sterile glove for added convenience.

Types of Sets

Dry Sets

• The dry sponge inside the bag is free of bactericides and tested to be non-inhibitory, ensuring reliable results.


• Sponge dimensions: 3.8 x 7.6 x 1.5 cm (1-1/2 x 3 x 5/8 inches) when wet, ideal for effective sampling.

Hydrated Sets

• The included pad contains 10 ml of monopotassium phosphate, sodium thiosulfate, and an aryl sulfonate complex, designed to neutralize surface disinfectants.


• Each bag is packaged in an aluminum liner bag to prevent evaporation of the pad, ensuring sample freshness.

Use of the Glove

• Some sets include a sterile glove in a lower compartment. To use it, simply tear the package along the perforation; the glove is folded to make opening easier without contaminating the hand area.

Post-Sampling Process

• After collecting the sample, the sponge can be placed back in the bag and sent to the laboratory for analysis.


• In the laboratory, media can be added directly into the bag and the sample incubated for a +/- test.


• The sample can also be squeezed from the sponge, pipetted, and plated for more detailed analysis.

Shelf Life and Storage

• Validity: The bags have a shelf life of 2 years from the sterilization date shown on the documentation.


• Storage: They must be stored at room temperature, between 2 and 30 °C (36 and 86 °F), to ensure product effectiveness.

Certifications

• Approved by USDA, FDA, EPA, and HACCP.


• Food-safe, making them an ideal choice for the food and healthcare sectors.

In conclusion, Whirl-Pak® Speci-Sponge® sampling bags represent a reliable and safe solution for collecting and transporting environmental samples. Thanks to their advanced features and safety certifications, they are the perfect choice for professionals working in public health and food safety.