What is the correct Hand Swabbing Technique?

Hi All, 

Im currently writing a procedure for my sampling technicians for how they collect hand swabs. All other factories i have worked in have swabbed: both hands palm and back, between fingers, and around nails. However these ladies have only ever done palms and between 2 fingers in the past. 

Would you recommend my method or theirs? I thought that the method im suggesting just captures commonly missed areas etc. 

Look forward to hearing your responses. 

Hi Dee

I have worked in factories that have done both.

I guess it depends on the products  being handled and the risk, because I have been people sniff & apply the back of their hand to their nose, so I know it does happen!. 

Ultimately you're assessing staff's compliance to hand washing protocol so I would say it is safer to swab all areas to determine compliance to the hand wash & hygiene protocols.

Certainly if the product is RTE or high risk it's a sensible precaution & also, the more rigorous the swabbing is, the more likely staff are to adhere to hand washing/hygiene protocols.

Anything that avoids the use of the "magic gloves" is a good thing (you know the gloves I mean, they can be worn for hours, only need to be changed daily,  allow you to touch waste on the floor & then touch food because "I'm wearing gloves" so the product is safe!).

Hi DeeMac,

An additional conundrum is how to formulate the micro. limits

Can try this thread -

https://www.ifsqn.co...ces/#entry98364

PS - another technique is to place palm onto an agar plate or equivalent.