Air Sampling and Analysis of Aeroallergens: Current and Future Approaches

To review current air sampling instruments and analysis methods and to describe new approaches being developed.

Spore trap sampling with analysis by microscopy remains the most widely used methods for aeroallergen determination even though there are often long delays from sample acquisition to data availability, as well as a need for specially-trained staff for sample analysis. The use of immunoassays and molecular biology to analyze outdoor or indoor samples has expanded in recent years and has provided valuable data on allergen exposure. New automated sampling devices capture pollen, analyze, and identify pollen grains by light scattering, laser-induced fluorescence, microscopy, or holography using signal or image processing to classify the pollen in real time or near real time. Air sampling data from current methods provide valuable information on aeroallergen exposure. The automated devices in use and under development show great potential but are not ready to replace existing aeroallergen networks.