BioSampler
While there is no standardised method for bioaerosol collection at this time, many organisations, including SKC, are researching improved measurement techniques. The patented† BioSampler® is a result of SKC's work with leading scientists at the University of Cincinnati.
- Allows use of non-evaporating collection liquids
- Patented swirling liquid collection method‡ minimises re-aerosolisation and particle bounce
- Preserves micro-organism integrity and viability
- Reusable — can be autoclaved
- Maintains constant sampling efficiency up to 8 hours
- Collected bioaerosols can be analysed by a variety of methods
- Complete glass construction allows easy cleaning, sterilising, autoclaving and reuse
- Collection liquid easily transferred to agar plate for culturing
† U.S Patent No. 5,902,385 (device)
‡ U.S Patent No. 5,904,752 (method)
BioSampler Operation
The BioSampler® must be operated with a high volume sonic flow pump, such as the BioLite/BioLite+ Pump, 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. Collection liquid with a viscosity much higher than water, such as ViaTrap (special mineral oil), can be used with the BioSampler to provide constant collection efficiency over an 8 hour sampling period.
- 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
| Sample Time | Up to 8 hours | |
| Sample Rate | Sonic flow through BioSampler nozzles (12.5 L/min) | |
| Sample Pump | BioLite/BioLite+ Pump | |
| Sample Media | Water or more viscous liquids such as ViaTrap mineral oil | |
| Tubing | 1/4 inch ID and 3/8 inch ID |
BioSampler samples provide many analysis options:
- Growth Culture Analysis quantifies and characterises 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
| Description | Part Number |
| 20 ml BioSampler (Single), 3-piece glass, includes:
inlet section, outlet section, and collection vessel (does not include ground joint cap). Inlet and outlet sections are a matched set |
225-9595 |
| 20 ml BioSampler (Set of 4), 3-piece glass, includes:
inlet section, outlet section, and collection vessel (does not include ground joint cap). Inlet and outlet sections are a matched set |
225-9595K4 |
| 5 ml BioSampler, 3-piece glass, includes:
inlet section, outlet section, and collection vessel (does not include ground joint cap). Inlet and outlet sections are a matched set |
225-9593 |
| Description | Part Number |
| BioSampler Mini Kit includes:
BioSampler, two 20 ml collection vessels (bottoms) with caps, 1 BioSampler case with mounting rod, and 1 ViaTrap (120 ml). |
225-9597 |
| BioLite+ BioSampler Kit 230V includes:
BioLite+ 230V pump, 1 BioSampler with collection vessel, one additional 20 ml collection vessel with cap, 1 mounting bracket, tubing/adapters and rotameter |
228-9620KB |
| BioLite+ BioSampler Deluxe Kit 230V includes:
BioLite+ 230V pump, 1 BioSampler, two 20 ml collection vessels with caps, 1 case with mounting rod, 1 ViaTrap* (120 ml), tubing/adapters and rotameter |
228-9620KBD |
| BioLite+ BioSampler Kit 120V includes:
BioLite+ 120V pump, 1 BioSampler with collection vessel, one additional 20 ml collection vessel with cap, 1 mounting bracket, tubing/adapters and rotameter |
228-9615KB |
| BioLite+ BioSampler Deluxe Kit 120V includes:
BioLite+ 120V pump, 1 BioSampler, two 20 ml collection vessels with caps, 1 case with mounting rod, 1 ViaTrap* (120 ml), tubing/adapters and rotameter |
228-9615KBD |
* May not be suitable for PCR analysis
| Description | Part Number | |
| 20 ml BioSampler Collection Vessel (bottom) and ground joint cap, for transporting samples | 225-9596 |  |
| 5 ml BioSampler Collection Vessel (bottom) and ground joint cap, for transporting samples | 225-9596A | |
| 120 ml ViaTrap Collection Media, special mineral oil for bioaerosol sampling.
Viatrap mineral oil may not be suitable for PCR analysis |
225-9598A |  |
| 500 ml ViaTrap Collection Media, special mineral oil for bioaerosol sampling.
Viatrap mineral oil may not be suitable for PCR analysis |
225-9598 | |
| 950 ml ViaTrap Collection Media, special mineral oil for bioaerosol sampling.
Viatrap mineral oil may not be suitable for PCR analysis |
225-9599 | |
| BioSampler Case with Mounting Rod, includes foam insert. Case serves as a base and rod secures BioSampler during sampling | 225-9606 |  |
| Glass Trap for area sampling to protect pump | 225-22 |  |
| Trap Sorbent 200 g, silica gel/activated charcoal mix to remove vapours | 225-22-02 |  |
| BioSampler Mounting Bracket for BioLite+/BioLite Pump | 228-9611 |  |
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BioSampler |
BioSampler & BioLite+ |