D-Shield microbial evidence extraction swabs are specialized tools for collecting and preserving microbial samples (bacteria, fungi) in forensic, clinical, and environmental investigations. Their unique design enhances microbial recovery while preventing contamination, ensuring reliable downstream analysis.
Key Advantages
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Enhanced Microbial Survival: Hydrophilic foam tip with microbial-friendly buffer retains 30% more microbes than standard swabs, preserving viability for culture or PCR.
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Contamination Barrier: Built-in D-Shield sleeve covers the tip during storage/transport, preventing cross-contamination from external surfaces.
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Surface Adaptability: Flexible foam tip conforms to uneven surfaces (e.g., medical devices, crime scene objects) for thorough sampling.
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Easy Elution: Microbes release easily into extraction buffers, maximizing yield for lab testing.
Usage Procedures
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Prep: Don sterile gloves; remove swab from sealed packaging, ensuring D-Shield sleeve stays in place until use.
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Sampling: Remove sleeve, swab target surface with gentle circular motions (10–15 passes); reattach sleeve immediately post-sampling.
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Preservation: Place swab into microbial transport medium tube; label with ID, date, and location.
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Transport: Ship at 2–8°C; avoid extreme temps to maintain microbial integrity.
Scope & Applications
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Forensic Microscopy: Collecting microbial evidence from crime scenes (e.g., food poisoning, bioterrorism).
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Clinical Diagnostics: Sampling from medical devices or patient surfaces for infection detection.
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Environmental Monitoring: Testing surfaces in healthcare facilities or food processing plants for pathogens.