1.Submit sufficient amount of samples
• Food Microbiology
i. Quantitative Analysis (Reported as CFU/g or CFU/ml)
a) 50g minimum food or a single sponge/swab sample (all quantitative tests can be performed from a single sponge/swab).
b) Examples: Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform/E. coli, Yeast/Mold.
c) Note: Environmental samples containing Neutralizing buffer or D/E Neutralizing broth are not compatible with Petrifilm analysis; Contact Sales representative to inquire about Petrifilm-compatible sponges/swabs.
ii. Qualitative Analysis (Reported as Present or Absent)
a) 25g minimum or single sponge/swab for each pathogen testing.
b) Examples: Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7.
• Food Allergen
i. 5g minimum or single swab for each allergen test.
• Food Chemistry
i. Required amount depends on specific tests.
ii. Contact Sales Representative for specific amount required for each test.
2. Fill out a Chain of Custody (COC)
• Ensure that the sample description on the COC matches the labels on the samples.
• Ensure that the appropriate test codes are assigned to each sample.
• Composite sampling – Indicate any requirement for composite testing, if applicable.
• Dilution requirement – Indicate any requirement for additional dilutions and/or specific limits for each test.
3. Sample packing/shipping
• Ship samples in an insulated cooler, with ice packs, for overnight delivery; Do not use ice cubes.
• Ambient samples do not require ice packs; however, exposure to extreme temperature should be avoided.
Improper packaging of samples may compromise the quality and integrity of laboratory-generated data.
EMSL Analytical, Inc reserves the right to reject samples if sample integrity or staff safety is in question.