SAN BRUNO, Calif. -- The announcement of the launch of BioCassette by Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc. (EMLab) today sets a new standard in air sampling with the new product's ease-of-use, accuracy and cost effectiveness. BioCassette is a single-use, disposable device for taking a viable (culturable) sample of the air. The new device is designed to both simplify the sampling process and protect the integrity of samples in the field and in transit to the lab.
"Indoor air quality professionals want a product that will simplify culturable air sampling without sacrificing quality or performance," said Jim Purves, product development manager of EMLab. "The BioCassette air sampling device has exceeded these expectations with its ease-of-use, cost-effectiveness and sampling integrity which will result in a new 'gold standard' in air sampling devices."
The goal of air sampling is to help determine whether the biological particles present in the air affect or cause irritation in certain individuals. Air sampling provides indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals with a scientific basis for evaluating whether or not irritants are present in an indoor environment and locating the sources of these microorganisms to facilitate an effective remediation.
Currently, more than 90 percent of culturable air samples received by IAQ laboratories in the United States are submitted as Anderson samples. The Anderson sampling device, manufactured by Andersen Instruments, has evolved as the standard air sampler over the past 40 years.
EMLab has improved upon the Anderson sampler by offering a single-use, disposable device that is simpler to use and therefore more cost-effective. The design eliminates the need for cleaning, eliminates the risk of cross-contamination from sample to sample and offers a high level of protection from external contamination. In addition, technical improvements in the BioCassette design allow for better performance in terms of collection efficiency and repeatability.
"Simplifying the air sampling process results in significant time savings at the sampling site," said Dave Gallup, CEO of EMLab. "When IAQ professionals use the BioCassette air sampling device, tests show that sampling can be completed 46 percent faster than with the Anderson sampler while reducing or eliminating the risks of contamination and damage."
EMLab is the leading commercial indoor air quality testing laboratory in North America. EMLab has more than 30 years of experience in mold testing and bioaerosol analysis, and helped pioneer today's indoor air quality (IAQ) industry.
Source: Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc.
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.