Swab type, moistening, and preenrichment for Staphylococcus aureus on environmental surfaces.
We compared five swabs, dry or premoistened and with or without preenrichment, to detect surface contamination with Staphylococcus aureus. Sensitivities varied based on swab type, as follows: 71.9% and 75% for rayon, 71.2% for cotton, 81.3% for polyester, and 53.2% for calcium alginate. Preenrichment improved sensitivity (80%, versus 61.3% for direct-plated specimens), as did premoistening (83.4%, versus 57.5% for dry swabs). All of the premoistened, preenriched swabs were positive.
Landers
Timothy F
TF
College of Nursing, Ohio State University, 376 Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. landers.37@osu.edu
Hoet
Armando
A
Wittum
Thomas E
TE
D000464:Alginates; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D032561:Cotton Fiber; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D006801:Humans; D011091:Polyesters; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D011091:Polyesters; D020723:Glucuronic Acid
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