The scope of this study was to verify the performance of collecting contamination from continuous three-hour samplings using the BioCapt® Single-Use microbial impactor, manufactured by Particle Measuring Systems, under unidirectional airflow, at 22 °C with 48% relative humidity.

All four test results aligned with acceptance criteria, and visual inspection of the media
post-sampling was satisfactory. With the backing of this study, BioCapt® Single-Use can be used for three hour sampling with no change to its monitoring capabilities.

Learn more about this industry-leading BioCapt® Single-Use for viable air samples

The BioCapt® Single-Use (BCSU) is an inertial impactor with elliptic cuts (slits) used to perform microbiological analysis and monitoring of air. It is made of transparent polystyrene, with visible culture media. It is composed of three separable parts:

1. The base holding the culture media.
2. The lid with slits for air aspiration.
3. The cap that covers the lid.

BCSU contains ready-to-use (RTU) culture media in packaging sterilized by irradiation.

A vacuum source connects to the side adapter to allow a constant flow of air into the device. After sampling and incubation, the lid can be removed for additional colony testing.

Diverse formulations of BCSU are available. The media can include neutralizing agents to counter the effects of bactericidal or bacteriostatic disinfectants used for disinfection of surfaces, including Lactamator®, an enzyme inactivating a broad-spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics. As a result, residues of disinfectants and antibiotics present in the environment do not inhibit the growth of bacteria sensitive to them.

This product is an appropriate choice for active air monitoring environments, and the formulation with Lactamator® is the most appropriate solution where beta-lactam antibiotics are produced.