INSTRUCTIONS FOR HANDLING AND ANALYSIS

A. Receipt, Handling & Storage

Precaution: It is expected that participating laboratories ensure PT items are handled by trained and authorized personnel who possess the necessary competence and awareness regarding the specific handling procedures, safety precautions related to the test parameters, and the hazards associated with the chemicals involved. Should any uncertainty arise during the handling of PT items, please contact the designated personnel at +91-9167702413 or via email at pt@envirocare.co.in for clarification.

Please note below points prior to initiate the analysis:

• Upon receipt of the PT item/sample, confirm if the sample is intact & immediately inform the PTP if needed.
• Record the date of receiving and store properly till the analysis is performed.
• Initiate the analysis within 48 hours of receiving the sample.
• The test materials should be treated in the same way as routine samples and should therefore be tested using your routine laboratory equipment, reagents, and methods.
• The entire content of the vials & container must be utilized for analysis.
• Read all the instructions carefully before analysis.

Note: Participants are expected to use the specified method(s) mentioned below (Reporting of Results) or any other validated methods based on these specified methods.

B. Instructions for Analysis: Specific

For: 2025MF42R1-1

1. Uncap the sample vial 2025MF42R1-V1 aseptically and rehydrate using 4 ml sterile saline peptone water (0.1% peptone with 0.85% NaCl).
2. Recap securely & allow 5 minutes at room temperature for rehydration.
3. Aseptically transfer 25 g of the sample matrix from 2025MF42R1-1 to the sterile enrichment broth for Salmonella and transfer the remaining 25 g of the sample matrix to the enrichment broth for S. aureus. Homogenize this.
4. Transfer 2 ml of each of the rehydrated vial content from 2025MF42R1-V1 to the enrichment broth for Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.
5. proceed with your routine analysis.

For: 2025MF42R1-2

1. Uncap the sample vial 2025MF42R1-V2 aseptically and rehydrate using 4ml sterile saline peptone water (0.1% peptone with 0.85% NaCl).
2. Recap securely & allow 5 minutes at room temperature for rehydration.
3. Aseptically transfer 25 g of the sample matrix from 2025MF42R1-2 to the special diluting fluid for Escherichia coli. Homogenize this.
4. Empty the vial 2025MF42R1-V2 to the homogenized diluting fluid for Escherichia coli.
5. Proceed with your routine analysis.