Microbial Sampling Step 3 - Blanks and Blinds

Here's what you need to know about testing your compressed air using ISO 8573-7 which requires blanks and blinds. Trace Analytics, LLC www.airchecklab.com Transcript: If you are testing to ISO 8573-7 standards, you will take 2 blinds per sampling point. Other customers may have selected to do only 1, check with your project manager or purchase order. The purpose of taking blind or control samples is to identify if there are any environmental or handling issues that may affect your samples. It is critical to maintain aseptic technique throughout the entire testing process, including the blind samples. No compressed air should touch the blind samples. In order to comply with ISO 8573-7 a sterility blank must also accompany the sampling media from start to finish. You will receive a contact plate in a bag marked Sterility Blank with your kit. Do not remove this from it’s bag or open the plate. You should keep it with you through the duration of your tests. That means you should bring it with you to each sampling point and then, when finished, pack up your sterility blank with the rest of your samples. The sterility blank serves to verify transportation and external handling are not contamination variables. You are now ready to begin testing your compressed air.