The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) swabs for cleaning validation are tools used to detect the TOC content on the surface of objects to verify the cleaning effect. The following are their usage methods and precautions:

Usage Methods

1. Preparation Work
   • Select Appropriate Swabs: According to the detection requirements and the characteristics of the sampling surface, select TOC swabs for cleaning validation with suitable size and material to ensure that the material of the swabs will not interfere with the detection results.
   • Prepare Sampling Equipment: Prepare the TOC analyzer and ensure that it is in normal working condition, and has been calibrated and verified. At the same time, prepare the sterile containers for storing and transporting the swab samples.
2. Sampling Operation
   • Clean Hands: The operator should first clean and disinfect their hands to avoid the organic substances on the hands from contaminating the swabs and the sampling surface.
   • Division of Sampling Areas: Divide the surface to be detected into several sampling areas to ensure that each area can represent the cleaning status of the equipment or surface, and there is no omission.
   • Wipe Sampling: Hold the TOC swab in hand and wipe it in a certain order within the sampling area with appropriate pressure. Usually, a horizontal and vertical cross method is adopted to ensure that the entire area is covered. During the wiping process, keep the swab in full contact with the surface to ensure the integrity of the sampling.
   • Post-sampling Treatment: Quickly put the sampled swab into a sterile container, seal it well to prevent the sample from being contaminated by the outside world, and send it to the laboratory for detection in a timely manner.
3. Detection and Analysis
   • Sample Preparation: In the laboratory, process the swab sample according to the requirements of the TOC analyzer, which may include operations such as dilution and dissolution to ensure that the sample meets the detection conditions.
   • Instrument Detection: Put the processed sample into the TOC analyzer for detection and record the detection results. Judge whether the cleanliness of the sampling surface meets the specified standards according to the detection data.

Precautions

1. Storage and Use of Swabs
   • Storage Conditions: The TOC swabs should be stored in a dry, clean, and sterile environment, and avoid being affected by moisture, heat, and chemical substances. Store them according to the requirements of the product instruction manual and use them within the shelf life.
   • Pre-use Inspection: Carefully check the appearance of the swab before use to ensure that the swab head is intact, without damage, discoloration, or other abnormal conditions. If there are any problems, replace the swab in a timely manner.
2. Sampling Process
   • Avoid Cross-contamination: During the sampling process, prevent cross-contamination between different sampling areas. One swab can only be used for one sampling area and cannot be reused. At the same time, avoid the swab contacting non-sampling areas or other objects that may be contaminated during the sampling process.
   • Sampling Force and Area: Pay attention to the uniform force when wiping. Do not apply too much force to cause surface damage, nor apply too little force to affect the sampling effect. At the same time, ensure that the wiped area meets the detection requirements and can accurately reflect the cleaning status of the area.
3. Detection Link
   • Instrument Calibration: The TOC analyzer should be calibrated and maintained regularly to ensure the accuracy and stability of the instrument. Before each detection, perform a performance check on the instrument. If any problems are found with the instrument, repair or replace it in a timely manner to avoid affecting the detection results.
   • Detection Environment: The detection laboratory should maintain a clean, dry, and interference-free environment to avoid the influence of external factors on the detection results. At the same time, carry out the detection according to the operating procedures of the laboratory to ensure the standardization and accuracy of the detection process.