In the following article, we will answer the most common questions surrounding Environmental Swab Tests for Listeria and E. coli.

Following on from the launch of our new range of Environmental Swab Tests, we wanted to run through a list of the most popular queries surrounding this important aspect of food safety and hygiene. This FAQ guide will address:

Carrying out an Environmental Swab Test

Listeria Environmental Swab Tests

E. coli and Coliforms Environmental Swab Test

Incubators and Accessories

Storage, Lifespan and Accreditation

If you have any questions that are not covered in this article, you can contact our in-house Technical Team on 01473 461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can click here to arrange a consultation with one of our helpful team members. 

View our range of Environmental Swab Kits
View our range of Laboratory Incubators

Carrying out an Environmental Swab Test

What should I do if I am testing a dry surface area? 

If you are testing a dry surface area, you may need to wet the swab with a suitable wetting agent such as Ringers, Tween Lecithin Thiosulphate Ringers or Tween Peptone water. 

How large a surface area should I be sampling? 

Sample areas are typically 100cm² or 200cm². There is no set rule, but the Food Standards Agency recommends a sample area of no less than 20cm². When carrying out an Environmental Swab Test for uncommon human pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, many factories will increase their sample area size to 1000cm².

You should always try to sample the same surface area and maintain a consistent swabbing technique.  

Can Klipspringer Environmental Swab Tests be used to test meat or other food products?  

No, Klipspringer Environmental Swab tests should only be used to test surfaces. Ideally, the surface area should be dry, flat and smooth.  

Listeria Environmental Swab Test

Which strains of Listeria does the Klipspringer Listeria Environmental Swab Test detect?  

To view the complete list of organisms tested against the Klipspringer Listeria Environmental Swab Test, click here and scroll to the second page of the document.

Does the test detect Listeria spp. or does it just detect Listeria monocytogenes? How do I find out which strain of Listeria is present? 

As is typical for a Listeria Environmental Swab Test, our tests detect Listeria spp. which is the entire genus of Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes is a specific species of bacteria that falls under the Listeria spp. genus. If you want to find out the particular strain (e.g. Listeria monocytogenes) you will need to send your sample away for further testing.

This is the standard procedure for Environmental Swab Tests, but the key difference is that Klipspringer tests are still viable for further testing and can be sent directly to an external laboratory. This will save you the time and cost of ordering a second test or arranging for an external company to visit your site.

How does the Listeria Environmental Swab Test work? 

The Listeria Environmental Swab Test relies on an enhanced esculin media formulation. The hydrolysis of esculin produces a black/brown precipitate. Inhibitors present in the test media inhibit the growth of non Listeria spp, so only Listeria spp, can grow. When this happens, the hydrolysis of esculin results in the colour change to black/brown.

How do I understand the results of the Listeria Environmental Swab Test? 

A positive result is indicated by a colour change from Light Brown Agar to Black/Dark Brown commencing around the bud. Any colour change is significant. A negative result is indicated by the absence of any colour change. 

What should I do if I find black media tubes when I open my testing kit? 

In the unlikely event that you find black media tubes inside your testing kit, you should NOT use them. Instead, you should dispose of the tubes immediately. 

E. coli & Coliforms Environmental Swab Test

What are the positive result organisms for this Environmental Swab Test? 

The positive result organisms for this test are E. Coli, Enterococci, and Proteus sp.

How do I understand
the results of the E. coli & Coliforms Environmental Swab Test? 

A positive result is indicated by a colour change from purple to yellow. Any colour change is significant. A negative result is indicated by no colour change. 

What should I do if I find black media tubes when I open my testing kit? 

In the unlikely event that you find black media tubes inside your testing kit, you should NOT use them. Instead, you should dispose of the tubes immediately.

Environmental Swabbing – Incubators

Klipspringer Environmental Swab Tests are self-contained. The only additional equipment required is an incubator. If your factory has an on-site laboratory, you will likely have access to an incubator. However, if this isn’t the case, we also supply our own range of Laboratory Incubators, developed with Environmental Testing in mind.  

At what temperature do you incubate the Environmental Swab Tests?  

Klipspringer Environmental Swab Tests need to be incubated at 37°C. This is the average temperature of a human body. 

Have the Environmental Swab Tests been designed to work with any incubator? 

If you already have an incubator on site, you can use our dedicated Test Tube Rack to hold your Environmental Test Swabs in place throughout the incubation process.  

There isn’t an on-site laboratory or incubator at my factory. What should I do? 

Here at Klipspringer, we supply our own range of Laboratory Incubators. There are currently eight models of incubator in this range.

All eight models are Natural Convection Incubators with advanced heating systems that ensure excellent temperature uniformity, low power consumption, and minimal heating times. Through the gentle circulation of air, they will heat your test samples to a temperature that accelerates the growth of micro-organisms – all without damaging or drying out the culture media. 

ICN PLUS Incubators

  • Natural Convection Incubator
  • Your choice of single or multi-step programmes
  • Capacity options (L): 16, 35, 55 or 120

ICN SUPER Incubators

  • Natural Convection Incubator
  • Your choice of single or multi-step programmes
  • Capacity options (L): 16, 35, 55 or 120
  • Colour touch screen display
  • Data transfer via USB
View our full range of Laboratory Incubators

Storage, Lifespan and Accreditation

Are Klipspringer Environmental Swab Tests UKAS accredited?

It is not typical for Environmental Testing Kits to be UKAS accredited. However, our range of Environmental Testing Kits have been assessed and certified against a number of organisations, including ISO 13485, LRQA, and The Medical Device Production Quality Assurance System.

How should I store my Environmental Swab Tests? 

Klipspringer Environmental Swab Tests should be stored between 5-25°C. This means they do not have to be refrigerated. It’s important that you do not freeze these test kits.  

What is the lifespan of the Environmental Swab Tests? 

When stored correctly, the test kits will last 12 months from the date of manufacture. You will find the exact expiration date printed on the tube label, peel pouch, and box label. 

You now have the answers to the most common questions surrounding Environmental Swab Tests and the role they could play at your food production site. For further information, click here.

If you require any further guidance, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help with your enquiries. Our in-house experts will be on hand to provide support and relevant resources. You can also contact us on 01473 461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can use the form below to arrange a consultation. 

If you would like further guidance relating to Environmental Swab Testing, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below to arrange a consultation.