The Viable Air Sampling Protocol utilizes several methods based on Andersen-style impaction sampling as well as Laro-100 style filtration devices. Sampling procedures should include a field blank and representative outdoor sample(s) for comparison with indoor samples. Multiple samples per site are recommended for representative results. Sampling protocols selected should best represent the individual needs of the client. A five to ten day turnaround time for cultured biological specimens is standard to provide accurate identifications and results. SanAir’s viable air sampling protocol includes a variety of agar plates specifically suited to meet client requirements.

Viable Air Andersen Sampling Method
This method can be designed to detect environmental fungal strains, environmental bacterial strains, human commensal bacterial strains, and thermophilic organisms using a combination of isolation media. The plates to be exposed at each sample site are determined by client need and are as follows:

Malt Extract Agar (MEA) one plate, or two plates for additional accuracy, for the isolation of environmental fungi while inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Plates are incubated at room temperature (~26ºC)

Blood Agar (BAP) (Tryptic Soy Agar + 5% sheep blood) for the isolation of environmental and human commensal bacteria. (Incubated at 35ºC).

MacConkey Agar (MAC) for the isolation of environmental, human commensal and coliform gram negative bacteria. (Incubated at 35ºC).

Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) for the isolation of thermophilic bacteria. (Incubated at 55ºC)

Viable Air Laro-100 Sampling Method
This method uses a filtration sampler and is more efficient than impact collection methodology. Contact SanAir for further details.

Non-viable Air Sampling Protocol
SanAir analyzes non-viable impaction style cassettes such as Air-O-Cell, Cyclex-d, and Micro-5, as well as filtration style cassettes such as Laro-100 and Bi-Air by direct light microscopy methods.

Viable Bulk and Surface Sampling
Bulk samples such as insulation, wallboard, textiles, and carpeting are analyzed at SanAir by serial dilution culture methods. They can be tested for fungi and bacteria.

Swab surface samples are analyzed by serial dilution culture methods. Swab samples can be tested for fungi and bacteria. Swabs and area templates are supplied by SanAir.

Non-viable Direct Microscopy Sampling
Adhesive tape samples and bulk material can be tested for the presence of fungi by direct microscopy. Fungi can be identified to the genus level and occasionally to the species level. Clear tape is necessary for tape samples and is supplied by SanAir.

Click here for the detailed Sampling Methodology for Clients in PDF format