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 & total) Endotoxins 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 & total) Endotoxins Bacteria	Superior collection uniformity Low sensitivity to ambient conditions 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) Bacteria	Easy-to-use Organisms remain intact and viable Cost-effective Time proven collection method Meets NIOSH Methods 0800 and 0801	Particle blow off/bounce Particle impaction Short sample times
BioCassette	Impaction onto culture media	28.3	Fungi (viable) Bacteria	No preparation, sterilization or disassembly required Organisms remain intact and viable Disposable — eliminates contamination Design lowers stress on particles	Particle blow off/bounce Short sample times
VersaTrap Cassette	Impaction onto sticky glass slide	15 (optimum)	Fungi (total), 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
Surface Swab Kit	Wipe sample	N/A	Fungi (viable & total) Bacteria	Easy-to-use Fast sampling Non-destructive Characterizes source contamination	Samples must be handled aseptically Multiple samples should be taken Re-aerosolization of microbes
Carpet Sampling Cassettes	Filtration using porous membrane	10 (optimum)	Fungi Fibers	Easy-to-use Cost effective Micro-vacuum nozzle for efficient sampling in carpeting	Desiccation Limited viability
Stick-to-it	Lift surface sample	N/A	Fungi Pollen Fibers	Non-destructive Ensures predetermined sample area Serialized for sample identification	Possible secondary contamination of sample

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This page was last modified February 25, 2005