Clean-Trace™ Surface Protein High Sensitivity Test Swab

The Clean-Trace® Surface Protein High Sensitivity Test Swab is a semi-quantitative test based on the biuret reaction, in which protein is detected via a color change. The test is used to verify cleaning by detecting residual protein on surfaces after cleaning has been performed.

The method is based on copper ions reacting with peptide bonds to form a colored complex via bicinchoninic acid (BCA). The result is read visually after incubation, enabling rapid assessment directly on the production line.

The color intensity correlates with the amount of protein and allows for an estimation of levels rather than exact quantification. Sensitivity can be controlled by selecting the temperature and incubation time, and the test can be used with or without an incubator.Incubation for 45 minutes at 37 °C yields a sensitivity equivalent to the ninhydrin test according to UK HTM 2030.

The test is used to assess cleaning effectiveness in critical environments, including food production and cleaning processes for medical devices. It can also be used as a screening tool to indicate the presence of potential food allergens (allergen proteins) on surfaces.

Features

• Semi-quantitative color-based detection of protein on surfaces
• High sensitivity (~3 µg protein)
• Can be used with or without an incubator
• Easy visual reading without the need for a reading device