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 Limitations	Sampler Advantages
Biosampler	Collection into swirling liquid	12.5 (sonic flow)	Fungi (viable & total) Endotoxins Bacteria	Less efficient collection of hydrophobic bacteria and fungal spores in water-based collection liquids	Sampling times up to 8 hours High collection efficiency Reduces particle bounce and re-aerosolization; preserves viability Allows use of non-evaporating liquids
IOM with MultiDust Foam Discs	Filtration using porous foam disc and membrane filter	2	Fungi (viable & total) Bacteria	Desiccation Breaking/deformation Limited viability with standard filters	Bioaerosols can be defined by different size fractions (inhalable, respirable) Personal bioaerosol sampling Economical Better microorganism survivability
Button Sampler	Filtration using porous membrane	4 (optimum)	Fungi (viable & total) Endotoxins Bacteria	Desiccation Breaking/deformation Limited viability with standard filters	Superior collection uniformity Low sensitivity to ambient conditions Suitable for total (viable plus non-viable) microbial count Personal bioaerosol sampling
BioStage Single Stage Impactor	Impaction onto Agar	28.3	Fungi (viable) Bacteria	Particle blow off/bounce Particle impaction Short sample times	Easy-to-use Organisms remain intact and viable Cost-effective Time proven collection method Meets NIOSH Methods 0800 and 0801
VersaTrap® Cassette	Impaction onto tacky glass slide	15 (Optimum)	Fungi (total) Pollen Fibers	Particle blow off/bounce Slide overload Short sample times	Reduces particle bounce Prevents sample loss and blurring Allows direct quantitative analysis Enumeration of fungal spores with low culturability
Surface Swab Kit	Wipe sample	N/A	Fungi (viable & total) Bacteria	Samples must be handled aseptically Multiple samples should be taken Re-aerosolization of microbes	Easy-to-use Fast sampling Non-destructive Characterizes source contamination
Carpet Sampling Cassettes	Filtration using porous membrane	10-16 (10 recommended)	Fungi (viable & total) Fibers	Desiccation Breaking/deformation Limited viability	Easy-to-use Cost effective Cassette nozzle for efficient sampling in carpeting