Collection of Samples from Non-Porous Surfaces Using Macrofoam Swabs, Cellulose Sponge Sticks and Gauze Wipes for the Detection of Microbiological Agents - Revision 1.0
Citation:
Chandler, J., Y. Chambers-Velarde, J. Cuddeback, E. King, E. Silvestri, J. Archer, W. Calfee, M. Pirhalla, AND Sanjivkumar Shah. Collection of Samples from Non-Porous Surfaces Using Macrofoam Swabs, Cellulose Sponge Sticks and Gauze Wipes for the Detection of Microbiological Agents - Revision 1.0. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2024.
Impact/Purpose:
This document provides step-by-step instructions for the use of macrofoam swabs, cellulose sponge sticks, and gauze wipes to collect samples from non-porous surfaces potentially contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the analytical methods listed for microbiological agents in the latest version of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) document1 and in the online query tools for SAM hosted on the Environmental Sampling and Analysis Method Program web pages. Although recovery efficiency and performance are not known for its use with the other microbiological agents listed in SAM, it could potentially be applied for use with those agents. The instructions are applicable to collection of microbiological agents during site remediation and recovery following an intentional or accidental homeland security related contamination incident. Information is provided on the materials and equipment needed for sample collection, the assembly of sampling kits, step-by-step instructions for collecting field and quality control samples, and sample packaging, storage, and transport. The approach described in this document is adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols for sampling for B. anthracis spores and CDC instructor training which includes videos for sampling with sponge-sticks and swabs.
Description:
When an environmental catastrophe resulting in contamination occurs, whether from intentional incident such as a terrorist attack or an unintentional incident such as an industrial spill, emergency responders and decision-makers need timely and accurate data. This need for data can require the collection and analysis of numerous samples to determine the extent of contamination and to make informed decisions regarding remediation. Sample collection procedures are used during site characterization, remediation and release in support of EPA’s post-incident responsibilities. The procedures provide instructions regarding the collection of samples from indoor/outdoor environmental, building, and infrastructure materials that will be analyzed for contaminants using the methods provided in the Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM). This document provides step-by-step instructions for the use of macrofoam swabs, cellulose sponge sticks, and gauze wipes to collect samples from non-porous surfaces potentially contaminated with microbiological agents listed in EPA’s Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) document. While this document is based on procedures developed for sampling non-porous surfaces potentially contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores, it could be applicable to other microbiological agents listed in SAM. It provides information on the materials and equipment needed for sample collection; the assembly of sampling kits; step-by-step instructions for collecting field and quality control (QC) samples; and information on sample packaging, storage, and transport. Use of the procedure by EPA, or EPA-contracted sample collectors, will help ensure that samples are collected in a consistent manner prior to laboratory analysis.