SKC BioSampler

Allows use of non-evaporating collection liquids Significantly reduces particle bounce and re-aerosolization Preserves microorganism integrity and viability Reusable — can be autoclaved Provides greater sampling efficiency over longer sampling time Collected bioaerosols can be analyzed by a variety of methods   SKC BioSampler Spec. Sheet (PDF) SKC BioSampler Operating Instructions (PDF) BioSampler Analytical Laboratories Reference List Ordering Info

Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin (e.g., bacteria, fungi, pollen, viruses) and their by-products such as endotoxins or mycotoxins and other fragments. While there is no standardized method for bioaerosol collection at this time, many organizations, including SKC, are researching improved measurement techniques. The BioSampler is a result of SKC's work with leading scientists at the University of Cincinnati.

• Indoor air quality investigations
  
  
• Infection control in hospitals and veterinary clinics
  
  
• Quantification of microorganisms in agricultural dust
  
  
• Biological research
  
  
• Infectious disease investigations in public buildings
  
  
• Safety concerns in the food handling industry
  
  
• Workplace exposures in industries such as pulp and paper mills or wastewater treatment plants
  
  

The SKC BioSampler

Sampling with the BioSampler
The BioSampler must be operated with a sonic flow pump, such as the Vac-U-Go Sampler, that can maintain 15 inches mercury or 0.5 of an atmosphere of downstream pressure in the system. The BioSampler’s three tangential nozzles act as critical (sonic) orifices, each permitting 4.2 L/min of ambient air to pass through for a total flow rate of approximately 12.5 L/min.

Analysis Methods
BioSampler samples provide many analysis options.

• Growth Culture Analysis quantifies and characterizes airborne cultural bacteria and fungi.
  
• Microscopic Analysis enumerates and provides limited identification of total airborne bacteria and fungi.
  
• Biochemical Assay quantifies biological compounds based on reaction to a chemical.
  
• Immunoassay quantifies airborne allergens based on antibodies binding to a specific target antigen.
  
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) identifies bioaerosols by screening for a specific genus or species.

Performance Criteria
Although the topic of much discussion, no performance criteria for bioaerosol sampling have been adopted at this time (i.e., experimentally determined values to assess the suitability of a collection method for a specific application).⁴ 

Two performance characteristics are critical when choosing a bioaerosol sampler:

• Physical Collection Efficiency including the sampler's ability to aspirate airborne microorganisms into its inlet and to remove particles from the airstream and transfer them to the collection medium
  
  
• Biological Collection Efficiency referring to the sampler's ability to maintain viability or biological activity during sampling
  

Figure 1. (click to enlarge)

Test particle: PSL (Polystyrene Latex Beads) Collection fluid: 20 ml deionized water Sampling flow rate: 12.5 L/min BioSampler Collection Efficiency

Advanced Biological Air Sampling System

SKC BioSampler Spec. Sheet (PDF)

SKC BioSampler Operating Instructions (PDF)

BioSampler Analytical Laboratories Reference List

MSDS ViaTrap (PDF)

Gruber, Matthew L. Using QPCR for Rapid Quantification of Occupational Exposures to Brucella abortus. MS thesis. Montana Tech of The University of Montana, 2012. (PDF)

References

1. Nevalainen, A., Willeke K., Liebhaber F., Pastuszka J., Burge H., and Henningson E., "Bioaerosol Sampling: Aerosol Measurement Principles, Techniques, and Applications," Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1993, pp. 471-492
   
   
2. Lin, X., Willeke, K., Ulevicius, V., Grinshpun, S.A., "Effect of Sampling Time on the Collection of All-Glass Impingers," Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. Journal, v. 58, 1997, pp. 480-488
   
   
3. Macher, J.M., Chatigny M.A., and Burge H.A., "Sampling Airborne Microorganisms and Aeroallergens," Air Sampling Instruments for Evaluation of Atmospheric Contaminants, 8th ed., ACGIH, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1995, pp. 589-617
   
   
4. Macher, J.M., "Evaluation of Bioaerosol Sampler Performance," Applied Occupational Environmental Hygiene, v. 12, 1997, pp. 732-738
   
   
5. Buttner, M.P., Willeke K., Grinshpun S.A., "Sampling and Analysis of Airborne Microorganisms," Manual of Environmental Microbiology, ASM Press, Washington, DC, 1997, pp. 629-640
   
   
6. Willeke, K. Lin, X, Grinshpun, S.A., "Improved Aerosol Collection by Combined Impaction and Centrifugal Motion," Aerosol Science and Technology. 28:439-456 (1998)
   
   
7. Lin, X, Reponen, T.A., Willeke K., Grinshpun S.A., Foarde, K., Ensor, D., "Long-term Sampling of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi into a Non-evaporating Liquid," Atmospheric Environment 33:4293-4298 (1999)
   
   
8. Lin, X, Reponen, T., Willeke K., Wang, Z., Grinshpun S.A., Trunov, M., "Survival of Airborne Microorganisms during Swirling Aerosol Collection." Aerosol Science and Technology 32:184-196 (2000)
   
   
9. Rule, A. M., Kesavan, J., Schwab, K.J., and Buckley, T.J., "Application of Flow Cytometry for the Assessment of Preservation and Recovery Efficiency of Bioaerosol Samplers Spiked with Pantoea agglomerans," Environmental Science and Technology, 41 (7), 2007, pp. 2467-2472

• "The Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants in Environmental Samples," American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), 703-849-8888 or www.aiha.org
  
  
• "BioAerosols: Assessment and Control," American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 513-742-6163 or www.acgih.org