EVALUATION OF MICROBIOLOGICAL AEROSOL SAMPLERS - A REVIEW

This review on evaluation of samplers for microbiological aerosols covers the time span from 1883 to 1993. From the literature 94 articles were selected concerning 101 different samplers (including modifications). In 46 of the studies samplers were compared in natural environments with the prevailing microbiological flora as a test aerosol. A generated test aerosol of microorganisms or non-viable particles was used in 57 studies performed in laboratory test systems. Many of the samplers for airborne microorganisms in use today have been evaluated with today's knowledge of aerosol physics only to a limited degree. Several of the tests still relied upon have been performed decades ago and very few samplers have been tested completely. To increase the scientific progress in the field of microbiological aerosol sampling and samplers, there is a need for standardised methods and recommended procedures.