Evaluation of Field Sampling Techniques for Environmental Microbial Exposure: Assessing Efficacy and Feasibility

Abstract

Environmental exposures in schools, including microbial exposures, can lead to detrimental childhood health outcomes. We evaluated two sampling techniques - standard flocked swabs versus sterile electrostatic cloths - to quantify Staphylococcus bacterial burden from school surfaces. Electrostatic cloths demonstrated higher test sensitivity and yielded higher surface area-standardized colony forming units compared to swabs. Despite protocol standardization, consistently larger surface areas were sampled with electrostatic cloths. This suggest that electrostatic cloths were more effective and practical for fieldwork.