Sponge Stick, 1.5 x 3 Sponge w/10mL Neutralizing Buffer

This 1.5 x 3-inch biocide-free cellulose sponge is mounted at one end of a stick and pre-hydrated with Neutralising Buffer for sample collection. The Neogen® Sponge-Stick allows users to collect samples without touching the bag’s inside, helping maintain sample integrity. The stick also facilitates access to hard-to-reach areas and enables sample collection without direct contact with the sponge, making it ideal for use in drains, pipes, and around equipment. It features a thumb-stop to help prevent contact with the sponge.

Once placed inside the collection bag, the sponge snaps off the handle for easy handling and transport. The pre-moistened sponge is durable, biocide-free, and does not affect organism viability. Its cellulose material is absorbent and effectively retains and releases the sample without excessive dripping. The Neogen® Sponge-Stick also includes a Neogen® Sample Bag with a 30 oz / 0.89 L capacity, providing safe and convenient transport to the laboratory. The products are decontaminated via gamma irradiation for extended shelf life and are manufactured in the USA using globally sourced materials.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology is the world’s most widely recognised food safety management protocol. Sample collection products from Neogen® are a vital part of this approach, designed to identify potential food-borne hazards and pinpoint their source. Portability, stable enrichment media, and easy-to-handle swabs and sponges are developed to test for various risks and deliver exceptionally accurate results. They are engineered to safely collect, contain, and secure contents from the collection site to the laboratory without leaking or compromising the sample.

Neutralising Buffer is recommended for surface testing to detect the presence of microorganisms on dairy and food equipment disinfected with chlorine or quaternary ammonium compounds. It is capable of inactivating the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of these chemicals, which is essential for accurately identifying potentially harmful microorganisms. Neutralising Buffer is used in the microbiological examination of surfaces as part of standard methods for testing dairy products and food.