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[Labby]

Does anyone have experience with  3M Scrub Stick 

 

I have used the 3M Sponge stick w D/E and  3M Enviro Swab

but am now question what is best practice. 

[Evans X.]

Greetings Labby,

 

It depends on your production conditions and what you are aiming for.

3M Sponge stick w D/E is specifically for Listeria strains and it can be used both on dry and wet surfaces. The D/E broth also neutrilizes disinfectands, so that it doesn't affect the possible microbial activity in the meantime between sampling and having it grown in petri dish or whatever other method you may use. This is especially handy against bacteria that can form biofilms or have really fast spore-forming / germination cycles (Listeria is more on the biofilm side).

3M Enviro Swab has a more broad spectrum since it isn't embaptized in a selective medium. However, it is not recommended for use on dry surfaces, since it doesn't have said moisture and may not be able to scrub away microbial cells. The recommended use is for manufacturers that production produces some moisture. Having that said though you can use it if you have completed the cleaning procedure (if it involves water usage) and haven't dried the equipment.

 

Regards!