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How to Use the Swab Technique in Surface Monitoring

Scientists use the swab technique to monitor the surfaces of hard-to-reach areas. The swab captures specimens from the surface and is then placed in a container filled with liquid transport medium. When you shake the container, the swab releases the specimens into the medium. Run tests on the transport medium to find what specimens you captured with your surface monitoring.

Things You'll Need

Sealable container of transport medium

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the sterile swab from its packaging. Touch only the end cap section.
- 2
  Moisten the swab with the transport medium. That is the liquid you will submerge the swab into after you have taken your sample.
- 3
  Wipe the swab over the test surface in a circular motion. Rotate the swab as you go to make sure you have used the entire surface of the swab. Make several passes over the test area with the swab.
- 4
  Place the swab into a container of transport solution, seal the container and shake it to release specimens into the container.

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