Traditional Sampling Methods

Current sampling methods are outdated and inefficient.

Swabs - Samples are collected by rubbing the swab over the area of interest. Typically, the swab tips are then rinsed and the solution collected (a process called elution) for detection or further processing. A swab can only sample a very small area, and the collection efficiency can vary widely depending on surface type, rough or porous surfaces are problematic. An elution step is necessary as the fibrous tip of the swab will retain microbes, and may not release the entire sample into solution for processing. Swab sampling was developed in 1917 and has changed very little.

Sponges - Samples are collected in a manner similar to swabs. Sponges can sample larger areas than swabs, but are still limited to a relatively small area as the sponge will lose moisture and collection efficiency as it is used. Like swabs, sponges have difficulty sampling some surfaces types, and retain microbes within the device requiring an elution step.

Contact Plates - Samples are collected by placing the agar surface of the contact plate onto the surface of interest. Surface bacteria contacted by the plate will adhere to the agar and begin to grow upon incubation. Contact plates are typically small, and therefore only sample a very limited area per plate. Contact plates are somewhat ineffective sampling rough or porous surfaces, as only the "high" areas that come in contact with the plate are sampled.