Sampling Instructions
1. Wash and Prepare
Thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves before beginning the sampling process.
2. Label the Container
Clearly label the sterile container or bag with all necessary sample information before collection.
3. Sterilize Utensils
Ensure any utensils used for sampling are sterilized prior to use and re-sterilized between each sample to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Collect the Sample
Working quickly and carefully to avoid contamination, place the product sample into a sterile container or bag. Be careful not to touch the rim, edge, or inner surfaces of the container or bag.
5. Seal the Container
Seal the sample container tightly to prevent any leaks during shipping.
6. Store Properly
If the sample is refrigerated or frozen, ensure it remains in cold storage (refrigerator or freezer) until shipping.
7. Ship the Sample
Place the sealed samples in an airtight cooler with ice packs. Samples must arrive at the IMS laboratory at a temperature of 10°C or lower.
For detailed instructions on where to ship your samples, click here.
Additional Information
For more detailed sampling procedures, refer to the Sampling Procedures from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Need Help or Want to Learn More?
Our team of experts is here to assist you with your microbiological monitoring needs. Whether you have questions, need technical support, or want to learn more, email lab@impactmicrobiology.com or call +1 506 459 8777 to get started.