Texwipe TX714K Large Alpha® Sampling Snap Swab (Low TOC) for Cleaning Validation and Surface Sampling

Texwipe TX714K is a low-linting (no swab is truly ‘lint free’ in every process condition), certified Low TOC Alpha® sampling snap swab engineered for surface validation and cleaning validation workflows where the swab’s background cannot be the reason results drift. It uses a double layered, double knit knitted Alpha polyester head designed to entrap residues during sampling and release them into diluent for strong recovery, paired with a 100% polypropylene handle for excellent chemical resistance. TX714K is manufactured to consistent tolerances without adhesives (thermal head bond), lot coded for traceability, and built around a notched break-away handle so the swab head can be snapped and dropped into a vial with minimal handling—supporting repeatable TOC sampling technique across operators, shifts, and sites.

Cleaning-validation note: TX714K is commonly selected when teams need a defensible low-TOC swab sample for TOC analysis (and method-sensitive residue checks) with repeatable area definition, controlled vial transfer (snap-and-drop), and lot-level traceability for trending, investigations, and audit readiness.

Specifications:

Swab type: Dry sampling swab (snap swab)
Swab family: Alpha® (Low TOC Alpha® Swab)
Head material: Knitted Alpha polyester (double layered, double knit)
Handle material: Polypropylene (100% polypropylene handle)
Head width: 12.7 mm (0.5")
Head thickness: 4.2 mm (0.165")
Head length: 25.7 mm (1.012")
Handle length: 101.8 mm (4.008")
Total swab length: 127.5 mm (5.02")
Head bond: Thermal (no adhesive pathway)
Handle color: Light green
Design notes: Flat head paddle; long, easy-grip handle; notched break-away for vial transfer
Cleanliness focus: Certified Low TOC (<50 µg/L, <50 ppb) to help control background contribution in TOC analysis
Autoclave compatibility: Autoclave safe for use in sterile environments and processes (validate to your method and SOP)
Packaging: 20 swabs/bag; 50 bags of 20 swabs/case
Use environments: Frequently used for GMP cleaning validation, surface sampling, and controlled-environment residue verification (final suitability depends on your sampling method, diluent, extraction, and analytical requirements)

About the Manufacturer:

Texwipe (an ITW company) approaches cleanroom swabs as engineered sampling tools—built around material selection, controlled manufacturing tolerances, and contamination-control discipline intended to support repeatable results in critical environments. For cleaning validation and surface sampling, that discipline includes knit head construction designed for predictable contact, thermal bonding to eliminate adhesive contamination pathways, and proprietary cleaning processes to minimize background that can distort method-sensitive results.

Low-TOC programs also benefit from traceability expectations: lot coding, consistent build quality, and handling-reduction design features such as snap-and-drop vial transfer. SOSCleanroom (SOS) supports that program control with a close working relationship with Texwipe focused on continuity of supply, clean documentation handoff (certs and lot traceability expectations where applicable), and practical application support—so customers can standardize swab sampling consumables with predictable performance while maintaining procurement reliability and audit readiness.

TX714K Features:

Certified Low TOC level (<50 µg/L, <50 ppb) to help control background contribution in TOC analysis
Double layered, double knit polyester head designed to entrap contaminants during sampling and release them into diluent for strong recovery
Notched, break-away handle supports snap-and-drop transfer of the swab head into a vial with minimal handling
100% polypropylene handle helps avoid introducing additional contaminants and provides excellent chemical resistance
Thermal head bond (no adhesives) to reduce method-sensitive contamination pathways
Autoclave safe for use in sterile environments and processes (validate to your workflow)
Lot coded for traceability, quality control, and investigation support
Operational traceability cue: Texwipe describes trademarked green/light-green handle identifiers (including registration Re. No. 5,343,973) and “Texwipe” embossing on applicable lines as practical line-side identification cues; use them as quick positive identifiers alongside approved sourcing and lot controls

TX714K Benefits:

Defensible low-background sampling: Certified low TOC helps keep blanks quiet when residues are near LOQ/LOD or when trending performance over time
Repeatable recovery: Knit head construction supports stable face contact during sampling and release into diluent when paired with a validated recovery/extraction method
Reduced handling contamination: Snap-and-drop vial transfer helps limit head handling and operator-to-operator variability
Method-sensitive cleanliness: Thermal bonding eliminates a common adhesive-related extractables pathway in trace-level workflows
Chemical resistance: Polypropylene handle supports compatibility with a variety of validated diluents and solvents (verify to your chemistry and SOP)
Audit readiness: Lot coding supports trending, investigations, and change control in regulated cleaning validation programs

Common Applications:

Surface sampling for cleaning validation protocols (including TOC sampling and method-sensitive residue verification)
Defined-area swab sampling on stainless steel, process-contact surfaces, and equipment exteriors (as specified by the validation protocol)
Sampling of hard-to-reach areas or small spaces where controlled contact and repeatable technique matter
Precision cleaning and residue pickup where a low-background, engineered polyester knit swab is required
Snap-and-drop vial transfer workflows to reduce handling contamination and support chain-of-custody discipline

Best-Practice Use:

Define the area: Use a validated template or fixture (commonly 10 cm x 10 cm) so results map to area-based limits and are defensible during review.
Control wetting: Dampen with your validated diluent (often low-TOC water or method-specific diluent). Remove excess liquid so the swab is damp, not dripping.
Stroke discipline: Swab with horizontal, unidirectional, overlapping strokes; flip the swab and repeat in a perpendicular direction to improve coverage and recovery consistency.
Keep the head flat: Maintain full head contact against the surface to reduce edge roll and pressure spikes that can change recovery.
Perimeter pass: Use the swab tip to trace edges and corners if the protocol requires it (common residue hold-up locations).
Snap-and-drop transfer: Snap the head at the notch and let it fall into the sample vial; avoid touching the head to reduce handling contamination.
Chain-of-custody controls: Pre-label vials, control blanks (lab/procedural/field as defined), and follow validated hold-time and extraction steps so recovery remains stable and defensible.

Selection Notes (TX714K vs. Other Options)

TX714K (large paddle, snap swab): Choose when you need a larger, flat contact patch for defined-area sampling plus break-away transfer into a vial, especially for TOC-driven cleaning validation where background control matters.
Long-reach alternative (TX761K): Consider when access depth or reach drives the risk (deeper equipment geometries), while maintaining low-TOC program intent and lot traceability expectations.
Method fit: Match the swab to the analytical method and diluent (TOC vs. HPLC/UV-Vis vs. other methods) and validate recovery in your actual procedure window (diluent, extraction, vial type, hold time, instrument method).

Link to Texwipe Technical Datasheet: Click Here
Texwipe.com PDF: Click Here
Link to SOSCleanroom Blog (good information): Click Here

Other Similar Products Available From SOSCleanroom.com

Low-TOC Cleaning Validation Swabs

TX761K: Low TOC Alpha® swab with long handle (low-background sampling intent with extended reach)
TX715: Alpha® sampling swab commonly used for method-sensitive sampling workflows (validate to your analytical method)

Standard Polyester Knit Alpha Swab (Non-Low-TOC)

TX714A: Large Alpha® polyester knit cleanroom swab (thermal bond; broad-use precision cleaning and spot wiping)

Notes: Looking for application guidance and qualification context for Texwipe TX714K low-TOC snap swab sampling (defined-area technique, wetting control, snap-and-drop vial transfer discipline, and method-fit selection)? Open the SOSCleanroom Technical Vault tab above for practical sampling technique, selection notes (TX714K vs. alternatives), and the documentation details teams typically review when standardizing cleaning validation swabs across regulated and controlled environments.

SOSCleanroom.com supports contamination-control programs with cleanroom consumables in stock, fair pricing, and responsive technical support—backed by same-day shipping options and customer service that understands real cleanroom workflows.

Product page updated: Jan. 5, 2026 (SOS Technical Staff)

© 2026 SOS Supply. All rights reserved.

Sampling That Holds Up Under Review: How Low-TOC Snap Swabs Reduce Background and Improve Traceable Surface Sampling

The Technical Vault By SOSCleanroom

TOC Background Control Sampling Method Discipline Traceability & Chain-of-Custody Awareness ISO 14644 Operations USP <797> / <800> Concepts

Texwipe TX714K — what this large Alpha® low-TOC snap swab is designed to control

Texwipe TX714K is a large Alpha® (polyester knit) sampling swab configured as a snap swab and processed for low TOC (Total Organic Carbon) background. It is used when the goal is not simply “surface cleaning,” but defensible surface sampling—especially in workflows where background organics can produce false positives, inflated baselines, or poor comparability between sampling events.

The snap configuration is a practical control for sampling programs because it supports direct transfer into tubes or vials without cutting tools, reducing handling steps and minimizing opportunities for contamination during chain-of-custody. TX714K is typically selected when technicians need a larger knit polyester head for improved surface contact area while still maintaining low-background performance.

Operations takeaway: Sampling failures are often method failures—handling, contact control, wetness target, and transfer steps. TX714K is designed to reduce one major variable: background organics from the sampling device itself.

ISO- and USP-aligned context: why sampling must be written as a controlled method

ISO 14644-5 treats cleaning and contamination control as operational controls supported by defined procedures, training, and documentation. Sampling belongs in the same discipline: it is a method with operator-driven variables that must be standardized to produce comparable results. USP-influenced programs reinforce the same reality—records and repeatability matter. When sampling data informs release decisions, investigations, or cleaning verification/validation, the sampling method must be structured to withstand review.

Low-TOC sampling devices are used when TOC is a gating analytical metric. The point is not to claim “zero background,” but to reduce the sampling device contribution so results more accurately reflect the surface condition. Always follow your laboratory method and acceptance criteria, and use manufacturer documentation for any analytical suitability statements.

Technical data summary (reference — use current manufacturer documentation for controlled programs)

SKU	TX714K
Swab family	Alpha® (polyester knit)
Use type	Sampling / analytical support (low-TOC intent)
Configuration	Snap swab (supports tube/vial transfer without cutting tools)
Head material	Polyester knit (Alpha®)
Sterility	Non-sterile (select sterile sampling devices if sterile presentation/transfer is required)

Receiving control tip: For analytical programs, lot-to-lot traceability matters. Capture lot numbers and packaging configuration at receiving, and reference the applicable sampling method revision in your SOP or lab method record.

Best-practice sampling technique (operator-procedure level)

Best practice begins with a defined sampling plan: sampling area, wetting agent (if used), stroke count, direction changes, and acceptance criteria should be written and trained. Open packaging only when ready to sample and remove one swab at a time. Touch only the handle; keep the head isolated from gloves, benches, packaging edges, and non-controlled surfaces. If the method requires wet sampling, apply the approved wetting agent to the swab to achieve a controlled damp condition—avoid dripping, which can spread contamination outside the intended sampling area.

Sample using straight, overlapping strokes with consistent pressure. Many sampling methods use a defined pattern (e.g., horizontal passes followed by vertical passes) so the surface area is contacted uniformly. Rotate the swab head to maintain a clean contact patch and avoid re-contacting the surface with a loaded area. Immediately transfer the swab to the designated tube or vial using the snap feature as intended; minimize delay and handling steps. Cap and label the container per chain-of-custody requirements, and document any anomalies (surface wetness, visible residue, damage, or deviations from the pattern).

If sampling results are inconsistent between operators, the most common causes are variations in wetness target, pressure band, stroke count, and transfer handling. The corrective action is almost always improved method definition and observation-based training, not “sampling more.”

Typical sampling failures and how to avoid them (ISO & USP perspective)

High blank / elevated baseline: Often handling contamination or non-suitable sampling devices. Prevention: low-background sampling devices, handle-only discipline, and controlled packaging practices.
Non-comparable results between technicians: Variations in wetness, pressure, stroke count, and pattern. Prevention: defined method steps and observation-based training (ISO 14644-5 operations control).
Over-wetting and spread outside the sample zone: Dripping swab or uncontrolled wetting. Prevention: damp target and defined sample boundaries.
Delayed transfer / extra handling: Increases contamination opportunity and chain-of-custody risk. Prevention: prepare containers first and transfer immediately using the snap feature.
Re-contacting the surface with a loaded head: Artificially spreads residue. Prevention: rotate the head and do not reuse loaded contact patches.
Documentation gaps: Sampling without traceability weakens defensibility. Prevention: capture lot, method revision, location, time, and operator and follow SOP recordkeeping expectations.

Suggested companion products and technical rationale

SOSCleanroom uses standardized companion items to keep sampling workflows consistent across operators and shifts. These selections support personnel contamination control (gloves), controlled wetting (solution), and post-sampling wipe-down/area prep where appropriate. Links are provided for internal reference.

Suggested glove: Ansell 93-311 Nitrilite® Cleanroom Nitrile Gloves (Class 100 / ISO 5) — reduces operator-introduced particles and residues that can compromise sampling defensibility.
Suggested solution (general wetting/cleaning support): Texwipe TX167 Non-Sterile 70% IPA (16 oz) — commonly used for controlled damp wiping and general surface prep where the sampling method permits. Always follow the analytical method’s approved wetting agent and instructions.
Suggested wiper (area prep / post-sampling wipe-down where appropriate): Texwipe TX1009 AlphaWipe® 9" x 9" Polyester Cleanroom Wiper — supports consistent wipe-down practices; choose the correct wiper construction if your program requires lower ionic/NVR contribution.
Reference swab (non-TOC long-handle cleaning access): Texwipe TX761 Alpha® Polyester Knit Cleanroom Swab (Long Handle) — used for controlled cleaning access in grooves and recesses when sampling is not the objective.

Defensible pairing principle: Sampling devices control analytical background and transfer handling; gloves control operator-introduced contamination; solutions must match the approved analytical method; and wipers support consistent area prep and post-task cleanup without introducing new variables.

Disclaimer

This Technical Vault content is provided for general operational guidance and procurement planning only. It does not replace facility SOPs, laboratory methods, validation protocols, quality risk assessments, chain-of-custody requirements, environmental monitoring programs, or manufacturer documentation (TDS/SDS/label instructions). Always follow applicable ISO standards, USP chapters, site-specific procedures, and the approved analytical method for wetting agents, sampling patterns, acceptance criteria, and documentation. TX714K is non-sterile; if sterile presentation/transfer is required, select sterile products and follow your facility transfer procedures and documentation controls.