Particle Counters and Microbial Investigations

Laser particle counters can be used as tool with microbial investigations. Particle counters count all types of particles and can have significant value to microbial remediators, investigators, and consultants. Laser particle counters can be utilized by microbial investigators for a number of applications, including determining sampling times and for a first indication that microbial remediation projects may pass post-remediation evaluations.

Sampling times may not be the same in all sampling locations. A laser particle counter can assist in determining the length of sampling time that best represents each area when compared with other regions. If you are well experienced, you can simply rely on your field experience. However, if you have less field knowledge or find yourself in unfamiliar sampling conditions, you may find the relative numbers from a laser particle counter very helpful in determining how long to sample or even where to take the sample.

In microbial remediation projects, all parties may benefit when using the laser particle counter as an indicator that the aerosolized debris has been adequately purged prior to actually submitting post-remediation verification sampling for laboratory analysis. The microbial remediation supervisor should compare laser particle counts conducted inside the remediation containment to those conducted outside the remediation containment. This provides a real-time indicator that all aerosolized microbial and non-microbial debris were adequately purged before conducting the final cleaning regimen and third-party validation. Laser particle counters can also help determine the collection efficiency of HEPA filters, thus eliminating the possibility of disposing filters before their full use.

EMLab P&K Products offers a full line of handheld laser particle counters from major manufacturers like Airy Technology, Fluke and Lighthouse. Most laser handheld particle counters offer three or six channel counting modes and some units even measure temperature and humidity with data-logging. If you want help deciding which particle counter is right for you, contact EMLab P&K Products.

Best Regards,
EMLab P&K

To learn more about particle counters or other testing equipment, contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.