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Comparative performance of impactor air samplers for quantification of fungal contamination
D Nesa1, J Lortholary, A Bouakline
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, France.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the performance of different impactor air samplers for fungal spore collection in the hospital environment. Four recent impactor air samplers were selected: Samplair (AES, Combourg, France); Air Test Omega (LCB, France); Air Samplair Mas-100 (Merck, France); and BioImpactor 100-08 (AES). They were compared with one another at three different hospital sites with varying levels of contaminated air. No significant difference in the efficiency of spore recovery was found between Air Test Omega, Mas-100 and BioImpactor, whereas Samplair was significantly less efficient. BioImpactor was then selected to represent the three superior impactors and was compared with the single-stage Andersen disposable sampler and the Collectron MD8 air sampler (Sartorius, France) and the High Flow Air Sample (BioTest, France), which are based on filtration and centrifugation methods, respectively. No significant difference was observed in terms of spore recovery. On the basis of their performance, unit sampling cost, autonomy and simplicity of use, we conclude that Air Test Omega, Air Samplair Mas-100 and BioImpactor 100-08 are suitable for routine indoor evaluation of fungal contamination of air in hospitals.
Insights
Four impactor air samplers were evaluated for fungal spore collection in hospitals. Air Test Omega, Mas-100, and BioImpactor showed comparable performance, making them suitable for routine hospital air monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Hospital Infection Control
Background:
- Fungal spore contamination in hospitals poses a risk to patient health.
- Accurate air sampling is crucial for assessing and managing indoor fungal bioburden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of four impactor air samplers for fungal spore collection.
- To identify suitable air sampling devices for routine hospital indoor air quality assessment.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of four impactor air samplers (Samplair, Air Test Omega, Air Samplair Mas-100, BioImpactor 100-08) in three hospital environments.
- Further comparison of the top-performing impactor (BioImpactor) against filtration and centrifugation-based samplers.
Main Results:
- Air Test Omega, Mas-100, and BioImpactor demonstrated comparable and efficient fungal spore recovery.
- Samplair showed significantly lower efficiency compared to the other impactors.
- No significant difference in spore recovery was found between the superior impactors and filtration/centrifugation methods.
Conclusions:
- Air Test Omega, Air Samplair Mas-100, and BioImpactor 100-08 are suitable for routine indoor fungal contamination evaluation in hospitals.
- These samplers offer a balance of performance, cost, autonomy, and ease of use for clinical environments.