BioSampler 庐
Operating Instructions
SKC Inc.
863 Valley View Road
Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA
Form #37084 Rev 0405
Description
The patented* SKC BioSampler is a highly efficient bioaerosol and biologically
inert airborne particle collection device that traps airborne microorganisms into
swirling liquid for subsequent analysis. The BioSampler is made of glass and
consists of three parts: inlet, nozzle section (with three tangential sonic nozzles),
and collection vessel (Figure 1). The collection vessel can be filled with a liquid
collection medium or coated with a sticky medium. The BioSampler can be used
with water or non-evaporating liquids up to 1,000 times more viscous than water
for sampling up to eight hours. The BioSampler requires a high-volume sonic
flow pump such as the SKC VAC-U-GO Sampler.
Performance Profile
Flow rate: Approximately 12.5 L/min
Medium: Water or more viscous
liquids such as ViaTrap庐
mineral oil
Collection Inlet
Efficiency: Nearly 100% over a (aerosol in)
wide range of particle
sizes; decreases to
approximately 90% at
0.5 碌m.
Pump: Sonic flow pump such
To
as the SKC VAC-U-GO
Vac-U-Go
Sampler
Sampler
Figure 1. BioSampler with 20 ml vessel
(5 ml vessel available)
Sonic Nozzles (3)
*Patent Nos. 5,902,385 and 5,904,752
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Operation
Calibration
The BioSampler鈥檚 tangential nozzles act as sonic orifices. Therefore, if the pump
maintains a pressure drop of 0.5 atm (15 in Hg) or more across the sampler, at
normal atmospheric conditions, the flow rate will always be the same (about
12.5 L/min), unless one or more of the nozzles is clogged. Figure 2 shows the
recommended calibration set up. Calibration is particularly important when
sampling in areas with nonstandard temperature and pressure.
1. Connect a flowmeter (bubble or dry-gas) to the inlet of the BioSampler.
2. Connect the outlet of the BioSampler (filled with collection liquid or coated)
to the inlet of a liquid trap (Cat. No. 225-22) and the outlet of the trap to a
VAC-U-GO Sampler.
3. Adjust the valve lever on the VAC-U-GO Sampler until the valve is all the
way open. Sonic flow is achieved when the vacuum gauge on the VAC-U-
GO reads between 15 and 30.
Note: If using a pump that does not contain a built-in vacuum gauge, use a
manometer in-line to monitor sonic flow (see Figure 2).
4. Read and record flow rate, Qs L/min.
Flow
Meter
Exhaust
P 鈮? 0.5 atm
(15 in Hg)
Mano-
meter
Liquid
Vacuum
Trap
pump
Figure 2. Calibration of BioSampler
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Sampling with Collection Liquid
The BioSampler can be used for both short-term and long-term sampling
depending on the collection liquid chosen.
Operating Cautions:
鈥isually inspect BioSampler operation frequently, particularly when
using a viscous collection liquid. See Caution on p. 4.
鈥se only 15 ml of viscous liquid in 20 ml vessel and 4 ml inside a 5 ml
vessel.
鈥se a liquid trap in-line to ensure that collection liquid (particularly
viscous liquid) in BioSampler vessel does not enter the pump.
Short-term sampling (less than 30 minutes)
Use sterile distilled water or a liquid of similar viscosity such as physiological
saline, phosphate buffered saline, nutrient broth, or peptone water.
Caution: Water or water-based liquids are not recommended for sampling
periods over 30 minutes or when collecting hydrophobic particles such as
fungal spores.
Long-term Sampling (greater than 30 minutes)
Use a non-evaporating liquid such as ViaTrap (a special mineral oil for collecting
bioaerosols) or glycerol. These liquids can be used for both long-term and short-
term bioaerosol sampling. Collection efficiency has been shown to remain
essentially constant during an eight-hour sampling period.
Caution: Glycerol is not recommended as a liquid for viable microorganism
collection because the microorganisms may die from osmotic pressure.
1. Measure and record flow rate through the BioSampler, Qs L/min, as
described on p. 2.
2. Sterilize all parts of BioSampler (see Cleaning, p. 6).
3. Aseptically pipet the appropriate amount of sterilized collection liquid into
the collection vessel. Assemble a clean, sterilized inlet, nozzle, and collection
vessel in an aseptic area (see Cleaning, p. 6). Temporarily seal inlet and outlet
of the sampler with aluminum foil or Parafilm.
4. Warm up the VAC-U-GO Sampler for at least one minute before connecting it
to the sampling train (see VAC-U-GO operating instructions).
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o
Caution: When operating correctly, the collection liquid in the BioSampler
should be swirling gently up the inner wall of the sampler, wetting
it where the nozzles output onto the inner wall. It is important to
visually monitor the following:
a. That there is enough collection liquid in the vessel to wet the
inner wall at the location where the nozzles output onto the inner
wall. If this is not occurring, add more collection liquid.
b. That there is not excessive bubbling which indicates that there is
too much collection liquid in the vessel. If excessive bubbling
occurs, decrease the amount of collection liquid in the vessel.
Under-Filled
Properly-Filled
Over-Filled
5. When ready to sample, remove foil or Parafilm from the BioSampler and
connect the outlet to the VAC-U-GO Sampler.
6. Sample for the desired sampling period.
7. After sampling is complete, record the sampling time. Volume of air passed
through the BioSampler can be calculated using formula: V [Liter] =
Qs [L/min] x t [min].
8. Disassemble the BioSampler.
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9. Accurately measure the final volume of collection liquid in an aseptic area
and aseptically transfer it to a sterilized container for analyses.
Note: If using a water-based liquid, do not sample at temperatures below 41 F
(5 C) to avoid crystallization of the collection liquid.
Note: If sampling biologically inert particles, aseptic procedures are not
necessary.
Sampling with a Coated Collection Vessel
The BioSampler can collect samples into a collection vessel coated with a sticky
non-evaporating medium. Sampling times longer than 30 minutes are not
recommended for this method.
1. Measure and record flow rate, Qs L/min, through the BioSampler as
described on p. 2.
2. Sterilize all parts of BioSampler (see Cleaning, p. 6).
3. Prepare the collection vessel by using a petroleum jelly/hexane solution
(approx. 0.1 g petroleum jelly per milliliter of hexane). Place a few drops of
the solution into the collection vessel and rotate it so that its entire inner
surface is wetted. Ensure that the coating covers the region where the air jets
impact the inner surface of the collection vessel. The hexane will evaporate
within five minutes leaving a uniform sticky layer on the inner surface of
the collection vessel.
Note: Alternative coating methods may be used.
4. Assemble clean, sterilized inlet and nozzle sections with the prepared
collection vessel in an aseptic area (see Cleaning, p. 6).
5. Warm up the VAC-U-GO Sampler for at least one minute before connecting
it to the sampling train (see VAC-U-GO operating instructions).
6. Connect outlet of newly prepared BioSampler to the inlet of a liquid trap
and the trap outlet to a VAC-U-GO Sampler.
7. Sample for the desired sampling period not exceeding 30 minutes.
8. After sampling is complete, record the sampling time. Volume of air passed
through the BioSampler can be calculated using formula: V [Liter] =
Qs [L/min] x t [min].
9. Disassemble the BioSampler.
10. After sampling is complete, wipe the inner surface of the collection vessel
with a small piece of cloth or paper.
11. Transfer the sample for microbiological or chemical analysis.
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Transporting Samples
1. All individual sample containers should be sealed to prevent contamination
during transport and properly labeled with the sample identification.
2. Because many tests have very short hold times, samples should be delivered
to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection, preferably within
24 hours.
3. Provide with the samples, sample identification, all pertinent sample infor-
mation (e.g., sampling rate, time, and location), and analysis request. Contact
the laboratory for more specific requirements.
Cleaning
Sterilize all parts of the BioSampler in an autoclave or an oven heated to 320 to
356 F (160 to 180 C) for 180 to 240 minutes before each use. This will kill bacteria,
fungi, and DNA.
Note: Disassemble the sampler before sterilization to prevent the fritted joints in
each section from sticking together after high temperature exposure.
Analysis
Samples collected with the BioSampler can be analyzed using:
鈥? Growth Culture Analysis
Growth culture analysis is used to quantify and characterize airborne cultural
bacteria and fungi. A portion of the liquid sample is transferred to a culture
medium on which the microorganisms are grown into colonies for counting.
A broad-spectrum of media is generally used.
鈥? Microscopic Analysis
Microscopic analysis is used for the enumeration and limited identification of
total airborne bacteria and fungi. Biological particles are differentiated from
non-biological ones by staining techniques.
鈥? Biochemical Assay
Biochemical assay is used to measure biological compounds such as endotox-
ins. A chemical or biological substance is added to a portion of the sample.
The ensuing reaction forms the basis for quantification.
鈥? Immunoassay
Immunoassay is used for the quantification of airborne allergens (e.g., dust
mites and animal dander). It relies on the binding of antibodies to a specific
target antigen. Other methods include fluorescence, enzyme, and radioimmu-
noassay.
鈥? Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to screen samples for a specific
genus or species. The PCR process is based on in-vitro replication of selected
nucleic acid sequences.
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References
Macher, J.M., Chatigny, M.A., and Burge, H.A., 鈥淪ampling Airborne Microorganisms and Aeroallergens,鈥? Air Sampling Instruments for
Evaluation of Atmospheric Contaminants, 8th ed., ACGIH, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1995, pp. 589-617.
Macher, J.M., 鈥淓valuation of Bioaerosol Sampler Performance,鈥? Applied Occupational Environmental Hygiene, v. 12, 1997, pp.
730-736.
Buttner, M.P., Willeke, K., Grinshpun, S.A., 鈥淪ampling and Analysis of Airborne Microorganisms,鈥? Manual of Environmental
Microbiology, ASM Press, Washington, DC, 1997, pp. 629-640.
Lin, X., Willeke, K., Ulevicius, V., Grinshpun, S.A., 鈥淓ffect of Sampling Time on the Collection Efficiency of All-Glass Impingers,鈥?
Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. Journal, v. 58, 1997, pp. 480-488.
Willeke, K., Lin, X., and Grinshpun, S.A., 鈥淚mproved Aerosol Collection by Combined Impaction and Centrifugal Motion,鈥?
Aerosol Science and Technology, 29 (5), 1998, pp. 439-456.
Lin, X., Reponen, T., Willeke, K., Grinshpun, S.A., Foarde, K.K., and Ensor, D.S., 鈥淟ong Term Sampling of Airborne Bacteria and
Fungi into a Non-Evaporating Liquid,鈥? Atmospheric Environment, 1999, pp. 4291-4298.
Lin, X., Reponen, T., Willeke, K., Wang, Z., Grinshpun, S.A., and Trunov, M., 鈥淪urvival of Airborne Microorganisms during
Swirling Aerosol Collection,鈥? Aerosol Science and Technology, 32 (3), 2000, pp. 184-196.
Willeke, K., and Macher, J. M., 鈥淎ir Sampling", Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, ACGIH, Macher, J. M., (editor) (1999),
pp. 11-1 to 11-25.
Reponen, T., Willeke, K., Grinshpun, S., and Nevalainen, A., Biological Particle Sampling. Aerosol Measurement, Principles,
Techniques, and Applications, Baron, P. Willeke, K. (eds), John Wiley & Johns, Inc, (2001), pp. 751-777.
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BioSampler Kits and Accessories
Description Catalog No.
BioSampler 20 ml 225-9595
5 ml 225-9593
BioSampler 4-pack 20 ml 225-9595K4
BioSampler Collection Vessel and Ground Joint Cap 20 ml 225-9596
5 ml 225-9596A
ViaTrap Collection Media (special heavy white mineral oil) 225-9598A (120 ml)
225-9598 (500 ml)
225-9599 (950 ml)
BioSampler Mini Kit, includes 1 BioSampler, 2 collection vessels (20 ml bottoms)
with ground joint caps, 1 BioSampler case with mounting rod, and 120 ml ViaTrap
collection media. 225-9597
BioSampler Case with Mounting Rod, case serves as a base and rod secures
BioSampler during sampling. 225-9606
Complete BioSampler System, includes 1 BioSampler, 2 collection vessels
(20 ml bottoms) with caps, 1 BioSampler case with mounting rod, 1 ViaTrap (120 ml), 225-9594 (115 V)
1 Vac-U-GoSampler (sonic flow) mounted in protective housing, and 1 rotameter. 225-9594B (230 V)
Vac-U-Go Sampler (Sonic Flow) for BioSampler, includes vacuum gauge and
valve, in protective housing, supplied with extension rod for mounting media and
a power cord (AC operation only). 225-9605 (115 V)
225-9605B (230 V)
Glass Trap, prevents collection liquid from entering the pump. 225-22
Notice: This operating instruction may not address all safety concerns (if any) associated with this
product and its use. The user is responsible for determining and following the appropriate safety
and health practices and regulatory limitations (if any) before using the product. The information
contained in this document should not be construed as legal advice, opinion, or as a final
authority on legal or regulatory procedures.
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