It is possible to collect samples from production lines or sites that have not been recently cleaned. Sample location and application of N-Light™ L. monocytogenes should be categorized as follows:

• Clean Surfaces
  The AOAC has validated the full performance of N-Light™ L. monocytogenes
• Food or dirt residue-exposed surfaces within the production area or before cleaning.
  Samples taken from production lines (both during and after production) and other places in the facility that are regularly cleaned are well within the capacity of this test. Make sure not to overload the sample with food residues. Rather, go into niches and cavities of machines and apply pressure on surfaces.
  These techniques are outside of the scope of the PTM validation performed for this product.

• Direct sampling of food or in places of high dirt / food residue concentration
  Meticulous sampling is required to ensure no test tube overload. Do not directly collect food residues. Examples of high load sampling spots are uncleaned drains, smeared water tanks, or the inside of uncleaned food residue collection containers.
  These techniques are outside of the scope of the PTM validation performed for this product.

We recommend avoiding sample locations with overload potential and selecting alternative sampling sites in the immediate vicinity when appropriate. If you have questions about sampling site selection, consult your facility's Quality Assurance or HACCP team, as sampling requirements should be based on your site's specific processes, risk assessments, and environmental monitoring program.