BD 220518 - Sterile Swab for Environmental Monitoring, Individually Wrapped Collection Device, 200/PK
The BD 220518 - BD Sterile Swab for Environmental Monitoring is a high-quality sampling tool designed for the collection and transfer of microbiological specimens from surfaces in controlled environments such as cleanrooms, laboratories, and production facilities. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD), this sterile, ready-to-use swab provides reliable and consistent recovery of microorganisms from environmental surfaces for monitoring hygiene, contamination control, and quality assurance programs.
The swab features a durable, non-shedding tip securely attached to a sturdy handle, ensuring effective surface contact and efficient sample recovery. Each swab is individually wrapped to maintain sterility until use, making it ideal for regulated environments requiring contamination-free sampling techniques.
Key Benefits
The BD Sterile Swab for Environmental Monitoring offers superior performance and ease of use for microbiological surface sampling. Its key advantages include:
- Sterile and ready to use: Individually packaged swabs ensure contamination-free sampling in critical environments.
- High recovery efficiency: The absorbent swab tip maximizes microbial collection and release into culture media or diluents.
- Durable construction: The strong handle resists bending or breaking during sampling, allowing consistent surface contact.
- Versatile design: Compatible with a wide range of environmental surfaces, including stainless steel, glass, and polymeric materials.
- Ideal for controlled environments: Suitable for GMP, ISO Class cleanrooms, and production facilities requiring microbial monitoring.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 220518 Swab is compatible with a broad range of culture and testing systems, including BD culture media and transport solutions. It is widely used in:
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities for environmental monitoring.
- Food and beverage processing plants for surface hygiene verification.
- Clinical and hospital settings for surface contamination assessment.
- Cleanroom and aseptic manufacturing areas for microbial surveillance.
- Laboratory quality control for equipment and workspace cleanliness testing.
It can be used in conjunction with standard growth media, neutralizing buffers, or transport media to detect and quantify bacterial and fungal contamination.
Usage Guidelines
Before sampling, ensure the swab packaging is intact and sterile. Using aseptic technique, remove the swab from its wrapper without touching the tip. Gently swab the designated surface area using a firm, overlapping S motion while rotating the swab to ensure complete coverage. After sampling, place the swab tip into an appropriate culture medium or neutralizing solution and break or cut the handle if required. Label the sample and transport it promptly to the laboratory for incubation and analysis. Discard the handle and wrapper in accordance with institutional biohazard waste policies.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD Sterile Environmental Monitoring Swab complies with FDA and CE standards for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices and is manufactured under ISO 13485:2016-certified quality management systems. Each lot is validated for sterility and mechanical integrity. The product meets GMP and ISO 14644 cleanroom standards for use in regulated facilities and conforms to CLSI and USP <1116> guidelines for microbiological control of cleanroom environments.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to generic or non-sterile swabs, the BD 220518 provides superior sterility assurance, durability, and microbial recovery efficiency. Many competitor swabs risk fiber shedding or incomplete sample release, while BDs proprietary design ensures optimal sample retention and recovery in culture systems. The individually wrapped sterile format minimizes handling errors and contamination risk, outperforming bulk-packaged alternatives commonly used in non-critical areas.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is designed for microbiologists, quality control technicians, and environmental monitoring professionals in GMP-regulated and cleanroom environments. Typical scenarios include:
- Routine surface sampling in pharmaceutical or aseptic manufacturing facilities.
- Microbial contamination surveillance in food production or packaging lines.
- Environmental monitoring in hospitals, laboratories, or research centers.
- Pre- and post-cleaning validation in critical work zones.
The BD Sterile Swab ensures standardized and reproducible surface sampling, supporting microbial control and regulatory compliance in contamination-sensitive operations.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store swabs at room temperature (1530C) in their original packaging until use. Keep them in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Use aseptic technique during handling to maintain sterility. Avoid reusing swabs or touching the tip to unintended surfaces. After sampling, ensure timely processing to prevent desiccation or loss of viability of collected organisms. Dispose of all used swabs in accordance with institutional and local biohazard waste regulations.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 220518 - BD Sterile Swab for Environmental Monitoring is FDA-cleared and CE-marked as a single-use, non-toxic, and non-pyrogenic product for professional laboratory use. It contains no latex or DEHP, minimizing allergenic risk. The swab and packaging materials are biocompatible and compliant with USP Class VI standards. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from BD upon request, detailing product composition, sterilization method, and disposal instructions. This product is intended strictly for professional use in controlled environments and laboratory testing.
How to Order
To order the BD 220518 - BD Sterile Swab for Environmental Monitoring, add the product to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medical. We offer competitive pricing, quick delivery, and full customer support for laboratories, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. For bulk purchases, validation documentation, or technical inquiries, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our specialists are available to assist with product specifications, regulatory compliance, and environmental monitoring solutions.
