SKC Guide to Sampling Particles of Biological Origin

Bioaerosol contamination is a growing concern in today's indoor environments. Because contamination may be hard to detect by sight or smell, a thorough evaluation may be necessary to positively confirm its presence and initiate an investigation into the possible source. Evaluation may involve the collection of bulk, air, and/or wipe samples followed by analysis at a qualified environmental microbiology laboratory. Samples are collected using a variety of sampling techniques.

Use this simple guide to help you determine which sampler meets your application.

Sampler	Principle of Operation	Flow Rate (L/min)	Contaminants	Sampler Advantages	Sampler Limitations
BioSampler	Collection into swirling liquid	12.5 (sonic flow)	Fungi (viable and non-viable), endotoxins, and bacteria	Maintains constant collection efficiency over 8 hours Reduces particle bounce and re-aerosolization; preserves viability	Less efficient collection of hydrophobic bacteria and fungal spores in water-based collection liquids
Button Sampler	Filtration using porous membrane	4 (optimum)	Fungi (viable and non-viable), endotoxins, and bacteria	Superior collection uniformity Low sensitivity to ambient conditions Sample suitable for viable and non-viable analysis Personal bioaerosol sampling	Desiccation Limited viability with standard filters
BioStage Single-stage Impactors	Impaction onto culture media	28.3 (BioStage) 14.15 (BioStage 200)	Fungi (viable) and bacteria	SureLock positive seal Organisms remain intact and viable Cost effective and reuseable Time-proven collection method Meets NIOSH Methods 0800 and 0801	Particle blow off/bounce Particle impaction Short sample times
VersaTrap Spore Trap Cassette	Impaction onto sticky glass slide	15 (optimum)	Fungi (viable and non-viable), pollen, and fibers	Reduces particle bounce Prevents sample loss and blurring Allows direct quantitative analysis Enumeration of fungal spores with low culturability	Particle blow off/bounce Slide overload Short sample times
Sterile Swab Kit	Wipe sample	N/A	Fungi (viable and non-viable) and bacteria	Easy to use Suitable for growth culture Non-destructive Collects surface contaminants	Samples must be handled aseptically Multiple samples should be taken Re-aerosolization of microbes
Wall Inspector Kit	Impaction onto sticky glass slide	15 (optimum)	Fungi (viable and non-viable), pollen, and fibers	Reduces particle bounce Enumeration of fungal spores with low culturability Non-destructive sampling of wall cavities Economical
Stick-to-it	Lift tape surface sample	N/A	Fungi, pollen, and fibers	Ensures consistent sample area Serialized for sample identification Includes transport case for mailing to lab	Possible secondary contamination of sample
Carpet Sampling Cassettes	Filtration using porous membrane	10 (optimum)	Fungi and fibers	Easy to use Suitable for high flows to enhance detection Microvacuum nozzle for efficient sampling in carpeting	Desiccation Limited viability