How to Use COPAN's FecalSwab with the BioFire FilmArray GI Panel

This video is intended for laboratory professionals and provides step by step instructions for using Copan's FecalSwab with the BioFire FilmArray GI Panel.

Always read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instruction regarding specimen collection and transport for the type of test kit being used. For best results, follow steps outlined in this video and briefly summarized here:

• Have the patient obtain stool specimen into a clean, dry pan or special container. Stool specimen should not contain urine or water.
• Open the peel pouch and remove the tube and the flocked swab applicator. Do not touch the swab tip. Always hold the shaft applicator above the marked breakpoint.
• Collect a small amount of stool by inserting all the tip of the flocked swab into stool sample and rotate it. Bloody, slimy or watery area of stools should be selected and sampled.
• Remove and examine to make sure there is fecal material visible on the tip of the swab. If needed, insert again the flocked swab into stool sample and rotate making sure all the area of the swab tip is in contact with the sample.
• After collection, transfer the swab into the FecalSwab™ tube and check that the maximum filling line (“MAX. FILL”) on the label is not exceeded.
• Holding the swab shaft between thumb and finger, mash and mix the stool specimen against the side of the tube to evenly disperse and suspend the specimen in the medium.
• Hold the tube away from your face. Holding the swab shaft at the end, bend it at a 180 degrees angle to break it off at the marked breakpoint. If needed, gently twist the shaft to completely remove it. Discard the broken upper part of the swab shaft and tighten the cap.
• Shake the vial until the sample appears homogeneous
• Write patient’s name and demographics on the tube or apply a label and send the sample to the laboratory
Now that the sample has been collected and received, you are ready to begin the BioFire FilmArray GI Panel test.

NOTE: rectal swab specimens (sampling from the rectum, not from a stool specimen) are not cleared for use with the FilmArray GI Panel.

The FilmArray reagent pouch stores all the necessary reagents for sample preparation, amplification and detection. The following video shows instructions for using the FilmArray when the sample is collected using FecalSwab™

Step 1: Prepare Pouch
Open packaging and remove pouch.
Insert pouch into Pouch Loading Station.
Place Sample Injection Vial into red well.
Place Hydration Injection Vial into blue well.

Step 2: Hydrate Pouch
Twist off Hydration Injection Vial, leaving cap in Pouch Loading Station, and insert into pouch hydration port.
Forcefully push down to puncture seal.
Wait as Hydration Solution is drawn into pouch.

Step 3: Prepare Sample Mix
Add Sample Buffer to Sample Injection Vial:
Invert Sample Buffer Ampoule so that tip is facing up.
Note: Do not touch the tip of the ampoule.
Firmly pinch textured plastic tab on side of ampoule until seal snaps.
With the tip facing down, dispense Sample Buffer into Sample Injection Vial using a slow, forceful squeeze, followed by a 2nd squeeze. Avoid generating excessive bubbles.
Thoroughly mix stool specimen in transport media: Vortex FecalSwab™ tube for five seconds.
Remove cap and attached swab from FecalSwab™ tube.
Using transfer pipette, draw up specimen to 2nd line.
Add to Sample Injection Vial.
Tightly close lid of Sample Injection Vial.
Mix sample by gently inverting Sample Injection Vial 3 times.
Return Sample Injection Vial to red well of Pouch Loading Station.
WARNING: The Sample Buffer is harmful if swallowed, can cause serious eye damage and/or skin irritation.

Step 4: Load Sample Mix
Unscrew Sample Injection Vial from cap.
Pause for 3-5 seconds, then remove Sample Injection Vial, leaving cap in Pouch Loading Station.
Insert Sample Injection Vial into pouch sample port.
Forcefully push down to puncture seal.
Wait as Sample Mix is drawn into pouch.

Step 5: Run Pouch
Follow instructions on computer for initiating a test.

For more information on FecalSwab click here: copanusa.com/products/liquid-based-microbiology/fecalswab/

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