BioSampler
Use the BioSampler® with the BioLite pump for area sampling to locate sources of biological contamination, identifying and measuring levels of microorganisms, evaluating the effectiveness of control measures, or monitoring bioaerosol releases for many applications.
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 ransferred 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.
Applications
- 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
Analysis Options
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
| 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 |
BioSamplers
| 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 |
BioSamplers Kits
| 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). Viatrap mineral oil may not be suitable for PCR analysis | 225-9597 |
| BioLite+ BioSampler Kit 230V includes: BioLite+ 230V pump, 1 BioSampler, vessel, cap, and 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, vessel, cap, and 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 |
BioSamplers Accessories
| 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 and can be used with or without trap sorbent | 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 |  |