Updates

PACKits May Be the Cure for Invalid Sampling

Abingdon, MD – There is an outcry from the current biothreat detection and prevention community that is growing louder and louder as more time passes; the need for standardization with regards to sample collections.  As the state of affairs becomes more volatile and less predictable, it becomes more critical that we have methods that are validated and uniform in their application across the biothreat gamut to facilitate interagency collaboration and meaningful analysis as well as comparison of samples that are transported between labs.  There is a standard available that, from a biothreat sampling perspective, takes the bulk of the burden off the shoulders of sampling personnel by defining the tools required, forms needed, and the communication necessary to successfully mitigate the perils of collections and the subsequent post-collection stages thereafter.  The ASTM E2458-10 is the afore mentioned method that specifically targets the standardization of bulk collections and swab sample collections of visible biothreat-suspicious powder from a nonporous surface.  This standard has already been incorporated into procedures that are being utilized throughout U.S. Government agencies. With the advent of this standardization, we are suddenly faced with the task of conforming to these derived methods and acquiring the tools and information that are crucial to adherence to said standard.

At QuickSilver Analytics, Inc., this dilemma has been addressed and a solution developed.  QuickSilver Analytics, Inc. has assembled biological sampling kits that conform to the CDC validated methods with respect to, “Surface Sampling Procedures for Bacillus Anthracis Spores from Smooth, Non-porous Surfaces.”  These sterile kits, aptly named PACKits (Powder Agent Collections Kits), have been developed to cover three different types of sampling materials depending upon either the requirement of the different laboratories or the size of the area needing to be sampled.

  • The PACKit SW (swab) contains 4 scored macrofoam swabs with thumb stops for sampling of an area that covers approximately 4”x4” (26cm2).  The PACKit SW also contains sampling instructions, 2 pairs of large nitrile gloves, a disposable sampling template (4”x4”), 3-10mL neutralizing buffers (for swab moistening), 2-15mL screw cap centrifuge tubes, a permanent marker, labels, 4 quart sized ziplock bags, 3 gallon sized ziplock bags, and a 200 mL 3 part decontamination solution. 

  • The PACKit SP (spongestick) contains 4 spongesticks with thumb stops premoistened with 10mL of neutralizing buffer for sampling of an area that approximately covers 10”x10” (645cm2).  Also included in the PACKit SP are sampling instructions, 2 pairs of large nitrile gloves, a disposable sampling template (10”x10”), 2-4oz screw cap specimen containers, a permanent marker, labels, 4 quart sized ziplock bags, 3 gallon sized ziplock bags, and a 200ml 3 part decontamination solution. 

  • The PACKit GZ (gauze) contains 4 non-cotton gauze pads for use on a sampling area of approximately 12”x12” (929cm2) and also includes  sampling instructions, 2 pairs of large nitrile gloves, a disposable sampling template (12”x12”), 3-10mL neutralizing buffers (for gauze moistening), a 5mL disposable pipette, 2-4oz screw cap specimen containers, a permanent marker, labels, 4 quart sized ziplock bags, 3 gallon sized Ziploc bags, and a 200mL 3 part decontamination solution.

All these kits are manufactured IAW QuickSilver’s existing ISO 9001-2008 System.  All of the items are sterile and the sterility certificates are on file in case of a recall or court requirement.  The components are separately packaged to prevent cross contamination and notched for ease of opening in hazardous environments by First Responders wearing protective clothing.

As the emphasis upon conforming to the standard validated methods of sampling mounts, there is an increased chance that portions of the sampling process may be overlooked, or forgotten, if the proper foresight is not taken.  At QuickSilver Analytics, Inc., we have taken the initiative to assemble ready-made, sterilized, all-inclusive sampling kits that conform to the current standards available for validated collection methods.  It is certainly appropriate to utilize a kit that contains all the necessary tools and instructions needed to sample accurately, completely, and in compliance with the validated procedure.

For more information, contact: Rodney Hudson Phone: 410-676-4300 Email: rod.hudson@qckslvr.com