Our Swab Testing Services

Surface swab testing provides a holistic solution in testing for pathogens, post cleaning or misting. This is carried out by conducting surface swabs. After surface sample collection is done via clinical swabs; we then send the samples to a SANAS accredited lab where qualified scientists conduct a full range of microbiological analyses. The lab results then determine whether a disinfectant or decontaminant is effective in killing bacteria, moulds, and other pathogens. Swab tests can be done on high contact surfaces such as food counters, preparation areas, cutlery, crockery, cooking ware, food processors and more.

The importance of microbiological testing is especially necessary in entities that deal with food and beverages, hospitality organisations or the medical field. Infectious pathogens such as bacteria need to be controlled in these institutions in order to protect the health and safety of those working there and of their clients or patients making use of their facilities.

The need for testing stems from the regulations, requirements and compliance measures needed in industries where food or medicine is handled. The testing process relies on the identification of microorganisms that exist on a clinical sample which in this case is the actual swab.

A surface swab test can conducted on crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots, pans, nylon cutting boards, utensils, blenders etc. These swabs are used to test for the Standard Plate Count (SPC) which is the plate count that is used to calculate an estimate of cells present which can give rise to colony forming pathogens over time.

Surface swabs are the best way to test for bacteria or other potentially harmful agents in commercial settings such as kitchens, where food contact surfaces exist. Microbiological or surface swab tests provide scientific evidence regarding the food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards within a commercial kitchen or food preparation area. The hygiene and sanitation services which we offer are covered by these tests.

These tests are also conducted after our cleaning and fogging services for our commercial and hospitality clients. This is a value-added service which can assist clients in evaluating and validating the level of hygiene standards our services provide.

Realistically, a workplace cannot be fogged every day as budget, time constraints and professional applicators are not always immediately available. There are, however, ways in which employers can prevent the spread of harmful pathogens in the workplace.