Known Limitations:

1. SwabSURE is intended as a screening test. All presumptive positive results should be confirmed by standard or molecular bacteriological methods.

2. It is recommended that after sampling food contact areas are wiped. If used for direct food contact the item must be removed/discarded after use (so not sold).

3. Has not been validated for uncleaned food surfaces. The use of SwabSURE for these purposes may result in false positives or spurious/unreadable results.

4. The absence of a colour change does not necessarily imply the absence of target bacteria. Reasons for this may include:

a. Inadequate neutralisation of sanitising agents.

b. Numbers of target organisms are below the detection level of the test.

c. The target organisms, although present may be severely damaged and unable to be resuscitated.

5. The Incubation temperature can have an affect on false positive rate. A temperature of 25°C is recommended and will result in fewer false positive results. This is particularly important when sampling areas that are difficult to maintain e.g. Drains, intricate equipment. These can act as microbial reservoir increasing the false positives from organisms like Bacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. Please see alternative chromogenic SS-L01 which uses a more specific colour change system. The occurrence of false positive results is an important indicator of suspect cleaning and sanitising practices due to concentration of background flora and should flag a review. 

Shelf Life: 12 months - Components should not be used after the expiry date printed on them or the carton label.

Storage: Store at 2-8°C when not in use. The pre-moistened swabs should be stored at 4-25°C.

Sterilisation Method: Terminally Sterilised (detection media autoclaved, swab gamma irradiated)