Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Unidentified particle contaminating surgical swabs
Findings made by our technicians were useful in preventing further incidents and ensuring the sterilty of surgical swabs in the future.
”Analysis of Surgical Swab Packs
The problem
A pharmceutical company who supply surgical diagnostic equipment for opthalmic care found some unidentified particles in their surgical swab packs.
The solution
Within the Electron Microscopy Analysis Unit (EMAU) several samples were analysed using our Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Particle size, shape and elemental composition of the contaminants were ascertained using x-ray analysis at various magnifications.
The outcome
The contaminants removed from the swabs were discovered to have hairfollicles with some hairs still remaining which indicated the sample was once a living organism. From our previous experience the hairs and particles looked similar to those seen on the surface of insects; the fragment was thought to be a piece of beetle carapace or wing case.
The benefits
- The particles were discovered to be foreign particles that had appeared during the manufacturing process.
- These findings were useful in preventing any further incidents and ensuring the sterility of surgical swabs in the future.
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