INSTRUCTIONS TO PARTICIPANTS
A. Receipt, Handling & Storage
Proficiency test items/samples are supplied on the understanding that it is safely handled & opened by competent & qualified personnel.
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 it at 2-8°C till the test 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.
| Program Code | 2024MS01R1 |
|---|
| Matrix | Sponge swabs |
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| Analyte | Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes |
|---|
| PT item details |
- 1 sterile plastic container containing 1 Sponge swab marked as: 2024MS01R1-1
- 1 sterile plastic container containing 1 Sponge swab marked as: 2024MS01R1-2
|
| Last date for result submission: | 15.10.2024 |
|---|
B. Instructions for Sample preparation
For 2024MS01R1-1
- Aseptically remove the sponge swab from the sterile plastic container labelled 2024MS01R1-1.
- Add 50 mL of Buffered Peptone Water directly into the bag containing the sponge.
- Squeeze the sponge swab to ensure even distribution of broth throughout the sponge, allowing for proper absorption and mixing of the diluent with the sample material.
- Allow the sample to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Test the sample according to standard procedures for Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
For 2024MS01R1-2
- Aseptically remove the sponge swab from the sterile plastic container labelled 2024MS01R1-2
- Add 50 mL of enrichment broth as per standard directly into the bag containing the sponge.
- Squeeze the sponge swab to ensure even distribution of broth throughout the sponge, allowing for proper absorption and mixing of the diluent with the sample material.
- Allow the sample to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Test the sample according to standard procedures for Listeria monocytogenes.
