Remove swab from the sterile container by grasping it at the top; do not touch
the tip end.
2. Moisten swab tip in diluent. Press out extra liquid by rotating swab against
interior wall of the tube.
3. Swab location surface by drawing the swab back and forth across. Press down
firmly so swab contacts the surface. On an irregular surface, push swab’s tip into
crevices.
4. Return swab to the test tube containing the diluent. If wooden swabs are used,
break off the tip end into the tube and recap.
5. Vigorously shake the tube to release microorganisms into the liquid and analyze
within one hour of sample collection without refrigeration or within twenty-four
hours with refrigeration.
6. In case wooden swabs were used, remove the swab aseptically from the tube
before continuing with step 7.
7. Perform membrane filtration or pour plate method.