How To Choose Your Viable Sampler

When it comes to viable sampling, many IAQ professionals rely on multiple-hole inertial impaction devices such as the A6 Single Stage Microbial Sampler and the BioCassette™. But which one is right for you? Choosing the ideal bioaerosol sampler can be complex. You need to consider availability of culture media, associated costs, personnel training, analytical options, and ease-of-use among other factors.

The A6 Single Stage Microbial Sampler

The A6 Single Stage Microbial Sampler is popular because it is reliable, effective, and provides great results when sampling correctly. The A6 sampler is an anodized aluminum device held together by three spring clamps and sealed with two o-ring gaskets. The unit consists of three stages: 1) an inlet cone, 2) a jet classification stage, and 3) a base plate.

The inlet cone is the top portion of the impactor. Air passes through this stage first as it enters the impactor. The jet classification stage contains 400 precision drilled holes. When air is drawn through the sampler, it passes through these holes, directing any airborne particles toward the surface of the agar collection surface located in the base of the sampler.

IAQ professionals are urged to clean their hands with hand sanitizer or wear single-use disposal gloves and sanitize or change gloves at any point where cross-contamination may be possible. Sanitization also includes wiping out the inlet cone and jet classification stage which are located before the collection agar and could cause cross-contamination.

To perform viable air sampling with the A6, you also need the following equipment: a high volume pump capable of pulling 28 Lpm (e.g., rotary vane pump or EM-Lite II pump), rotameter, primary calibrator, tripod, flexible vinyl tubing, and sampling media.

The BioCassette™

The BioCassette™ is an excellent option for viable air sampling. The BioCassette™ is a single use, disposal device for taking viable samples of the air. Each BioCassette™ comes pre-assembled and pre-filled with sample media – Malt Extract Agar (MEA) for fungal sampling or Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) for bacteria sampling.

The BioCassette™ does not require cleaning, has no risk of cross-contamination from sample to sample, and offers a high level of protection from external contamination and damage during shipment. It combines the impaction sampler and the collection media in one sampling device. The BioCassette™ is one of only a few samplers validated against the A6 for efficiency in viable sampling collection. You can be confident using the BioCassette™ to perform viable air sampling.
Accessories available for the BioCassette™ include: a tripod adapter and a calibrator.

Best Regards,
EMLab P&K

For more information about sampling equipment and supplies, contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.