The method should be verified and validated to ensure that it is suitable for the intended purpose. Verification involves checking that the method produces consistent results, while validation involves checking that the method produces accurate results.
ISO 18593 defines four main horizontal methods for surface collection:
The current version of this international standard is , titled "Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal methods for surface sampling". This second edition was last reviewed and confirmed in 2023 , meaning it remains the active and verified standard. It replaces the older version, ISO 18593:2004, which had a slightly different title focused on food and animal feeding stuffs. Scope and Application