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Surface and Dermal Sampling

Surface and Dermal Sampling

Surface and Dermal Sampling

Skin exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause a range of health problems especially when the absorption can occur without being noticed by the worker. Non-volatile chemicals that are hazardous are even more concerning as they can remain on work surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Air-Met Scientific offers a complete range of surface and skin sampling swab test kits and indicators from brands such as SKC Inc, Dexsil and Figure Engineering that are ideal for testing a variety of chemicals.

These include:
  • Lead
  • Aromatic amines
  • Aromatic isocyanates
  • Aliphatic amines
  • Isocyanate
  • Hydrazine
  • Acid/Bases
  • Metals such as lead and chromium
  • Methamphetamine residue

The effects of skin exposure to hazardous substances

Contact with hazardous substances whether directly via a surface that has been contaminated with the hazardous substance can cause a range of health problems. Some of these are localised to the skin and can result in irritation, allergic responses, burns, allergic contact dermatitis. Additional to the effects of chemicals directly on skin, the skin can also act as a pathway for chemicals to be absorbed into the body and therefore affect other organs within the body. Care should be taken in handling chemicals and hazardous substances to avoid risks from exposure and to comply with occupational health and safety guidelines.

Surface and dermal samplers play an important part of any occupational health and safety program. Fast, easy to use and accurate, swab test kits, wipes and sampling test kits are an important tool to help identify work practices that may result in exposure, educating workers about prevention and reinforcing safe work practices.

For more information about our range of surface and dermal sampling test kits, contact your local Air-Met Scientific office at one of our locations across Australia today.





Surface and Dermal Sampling Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about surface and dermal sampling. Can’t find the answers here? Get in touch with your local Air-Met Scientific office and our team will be happy to help.

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Surface sampling refers to the collection of samples from surfaces, such as floors, walls, and equipment, in order to detect the presence of microorganisms, pollutants, or other substances. Surface sampling is important because it can help identify potential health hazards, evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation procedures, and monitor the overall cleanliness and safety of a given environment.

Surface sampling can be performed using various methods and techniques depending on the type of surface, the substance being tested, and the purpose of the sampling. These methods may involve swabbing, wiping, or direct contact with the surface using specialised sampling equipment.

Dermal sampling is the process of collecting and analysing samples of skin tissue, hair, or nails to determine the presence and concentration of chemicals or other substances. This type of sampling is important for assessing exposure to substances that can be absorbed through the skin, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, or pharmaceuticals. Dermal sampling can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of protective measures, such as gloves or protective clothing, in preventing skin exposure to these substances, for compliance purposes as well as risk assessment.

The main difference between surface sampling and dermal sampling is the type of sample collected and the purpose of the sampling. Surface sampling is used to detect the presence of microorganisms, pollutants, or other substances on surfaces, while dermal sampling is used to assess the levels of exposure to hazardous chemicals or other substances that can be absorbed through the skin.

There are various surface sampling techniques that can be used to collect samples from surfaces for microbiological or chemical analysis. Some of the commonly used surface sampling techniques include:

Swabbing: This involves using a sterile swab such as the HexChecks Chromium Testing Swabs or 3M LeadCheck Swabs which can provide instantaneous visual confirmation of the presence of the tested contaminant.

Sterile wipes: These are pre-moistened wipes that are used to wipe a specific area of a surface. The wipe is then transferred to a sterile container for analysis. This technique is commonly used to collect samples for chemical analysis, such as the detection of lead or other heavy metals on surfaces.

Adhesive tapes: Are a low-cost method that can be used to collect samples such as fungi from a variety of surfaces including walls, floors, and equipment. The process typically involves pressing a piece of clear adhesive tape onto the surface of interest and then peeling it off, thereby collecting any particles or contaminants present on the surface. The tape is then analysed in a laboratory to identify and quantify the contaminants.