The study of the microbial content of the air has become increasingly more
significant in the past decade as the need for “contamination free” environments
have become more apparent.
Biological aerosols have been defined as viable biological contaminants occurring as
solid or liquid particles in the air. These particles can vary in size from viruses less
than 0.1 micron in diameter to fungal spores 100, or more microns in diameter. They
may occur as single, unattached organisms or as aggregates. Viable particle samplers
have been used to collect and study aerobic species of bacteria and fungi. Even
though many viable samplers, including the Tisch Environmental sampler, will collect
some virus particles, there is no convenient, practical method for the cultivation and
enumeration of these particles. There are two constraints on all viable particle
samplers, first, the particle must be separated from the air for any viability study,
and second, the ability to reproduce (viability) must be demonstrated.
The purpose of this manual is to outline proper methods for the study of biological
aerosols using the Tisch Environmental Viable Particle Samplers.
TE-10-800
SIX STAGE VIABLE IMPACTOR
OPERATING AT 28.3 lpm
Stages
Mic. Cut-Point
1
7.1 and above
2
4.7 to 7.1
3
3.3 to 4.7
4
2.1 to 3.3
5
1.1 to 2.1
6
0.65 to 1.1
TE-10-820 Same as TE-10-800, except a 12 Volt DC Pump/Motor, in place of 115
Volt or 220 Volt AC Pump
TE-10-830 Same as TE-10-800, excludes Vacuum Pump Assembly
TE-10-850 Two Stage Ambient Viable
Sampler excludes Vacuum
Pump Assembly
TE-10-860 Same as TE-10-850, includes
Vacuum Pump Assembly and
Carrying Case
TWO STAGE VIABLE IMPACTOR
OPERATING AT 28.3 lpm
Stage
Mic. cut-point
1
8.0 and above
2
1.0 to 8.0
TE-10-890 Single Stage (N6) Ambient Viable Sampler includes One Aluminum
Orifice Stage, Silicone O-ring Gaskets, Vacuum Pump Assembly and
Carrying Case complete
TE-10-880 Same as TE-10—890 Except
Vacuum Pump
Stage
Mic. Cut-Point
6
0.65 and above (nominally
to 22 micrometers)