Environmental surface sampling can be faster and easier by using the Whirl-Pak® pre-moistened Speci-Sponge® bag. The sponge is ready to use and is hydrated with 10 ml of neutralizing buffer that will neutralize several surface sanitizers including quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, iodine preps, chlorine preps, mercurials, formaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde. To use, squeeze out excess buffer from the sponge - this can be done by squeezing the sponge from the outside with two hands or squeezing the sponge with a sterile gloved hand after opening the bag. Wipe the surface to be tested, return the sponge to the bag, close, and send to the lab for analysis. The bag includes a sterile glove folded in a separate compartment below the sponge. To use the glove, tear off the glove pack along the perforation. The glove is folded with the wrist end extended so it can be shaken open and put on without touching the hand area.
Shelf life from Sterilization date found on the Sterility Documentation: 2 years due to the buffer
Two-year shelf-life with ambient storage at 36°-86° F (2°-30° C). The bags are packaged in a foil liner bag to prevent evaporation of the buffer. Buffer contains monopotassium phosphate, sodium thiosulfate, and aryl sulfonate complex.
