GAP EnviroMicrobial Services has equipment available to rent for taking samples that can be brought back to the lab for analysis.

Biotest Hycon RCS Air Sampler (RCS)

GAP has two of these available for rental, each calibrated by an external service provider yearly according to manufacturer specifications. The RCS employs agar impaction as the collection principle via centrifugal force. Bioaerosols are drawn toward impeller blades and the applied centrifugal force impacts the microbes onto the agar test strip. After the test strips are incubated under ideal conditions, identification and enumeration analysis are performed. The results are expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU's)/m3. The types of organisms typically sampled for with the RCS include Yeast and Mould using Rose Bengal Agar and a total bacterial count using Tryptic Soy Agar. If you have specialized sampling requirements then GAP may also be able to prepare a specialized media to meet your needs.

Zefon Bio Pump

At GAP we have one of these available for rental. It is calibrated before it leaves the lab each time using an included calibration standard. The Zefon Bio Pump collects samples of both viable and nonviable airborne spores by depositing airborne particles onto a microscope slide. The advantage of using this device is that the degree of contamination can be determined in a rapid manner, as no culturing is necessary. These samples provide a snapshot of air quality at the exact time of sampling. The results are expressed in spores per volume of air sampled. The sampling cartridges (AirOCells) are also available from GAP.

Anderson Sampler

The Anderson six stage impactor sampler also employs the agar impaction principle. This sampler contains six stages, each with successively decreasing pore diameter. Thus, this sampler measures the microbial concentrations in specific size ranges. 

Additional Equipment Available for Rental

Moisture Meter, Hygrometer, Digital Thermometer, Pocket Colorimeter, pH Meters and Redox Probes.
Sample bottles are provided free of charge.