Microbiology Sampling Media and Swab Information
EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides media and swabs for sampling to our customers at minimal or no charge. The following information sheet is designed to help aid in the selection of culture media, providing the most representative sample of the environment possible.
Bacterial Media On-hand:
- TSA (Tryptic Soy Agar)
- TSA w/ 5% Blood (TSAB)
- MAC (MacConkey Agar)
- BCYE agar (Buffered Charcoal Yeast
Extract Agar)
Fungal Media On-hand:
- MEA (Malt Extract Agar)
- DG18 (Dichloran 18% Glycerol Agar)
- SDA or SabDex (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar)
- Birdseed Agar
- Mycobiotic Agar
Recommendations for Air Sampling Culturable Fungi and Bacteria on Agar Plates:
- Fungal sampling – in general, we recommend MEA.
- Bacterial sampling – in general, we recommend TSA or TSA w/ 5% Blood.
- Gram negative bacteria sampling – we recommend MAC and TSA.
- For all other situations, the Microbiology Department will be happy to make recommendations based on your individual sampling situation.
Swab Recommendations for Sampling Fungi and Bacteria on Surfaces:
| Shopping Cart # | Swab Type | Swab Applicator | Applicable Test Codes |
| 8708301 | Hardy/HealthLink TransPorter | Rayon Applicator | All culturable Fungi and Bacteria Tests All non-culturable Fungi tests |
| 8708322 | Legionella Swab with Neutralizing Buffer | Dacron Applicator | All Legionella tests (ISO/CDC) |
| 8708942 | PUR-Blue™ Swab Samplers with Neutralizing Broth (1 mL) | Polyurethane Applicator | All HAI (Healthcare-associated Infections) tests All Cleaning Validation studies |
| 8708935 | Butterfield’s Solution (4 mL) | Nylon Applicator | All PCR tests |
Swab/Sponge Recommendations for Environmental Food Microbiology Testing:
| Shopping Cart # | Swab Type | Description |
| 8708925 | EZ Reach™ Sponge Sampler with HiCap Neutralizing Broth | Standard food sponge |
| 8708941 | EZ Reach™ Split Sampler with HiCap Neutralizing Broth | Dual sponge (collects samples on two separate sponges simultaneously) |
| 8708928 | PUR‐Blue™ Swab Samplers with HiCap Neutralizing Broth (10 mL) | Large swab |
| 8708942 | PUR‐Blue™ Swab Samplers with HiCap Neutralizing Broth (1 mL) | Small swab |
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