1. Laboratory Services
    1. Air Samples: Fungi
    2. Air Samples: Bacteria
    3. Surface Samples: Fungi
    4. Surface Samples: Bacteria
    5. Allergen ELISA
    6. Asbestos Testing
    7. PCR
    8. Other Services
  2. Additional Services
    1. BioCassette
    2. EMLab Pocket Guide
    3. MicroLabs
    4. MoldRange Report
    5. Training
  3. Quality Assurance
    1. Quality Assurance
    2. New User Introduction
    3. Become A Client
  4. Additional Information
    1. New Client Forms (pdf)
    2. Chain of Custody (pdf)
 

Simplifying Culturable Air Sampling

The BioCassette™ developed by Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc. is a new device for culturable air sampling that is designed to both simplify the sampling process and protect the integrity of samples from sampling through analysis. The BioCassette™ combines the agar plate and sampling device into a single disposable cassette in a package that is roughly the size of a standard 90mm petri dish.

Since the agar plate and the sampling device are integrated into one unit, the BioCassette™ is both simpler and faster to use than a device that uses a separate petri dish.

The Andersen sampler has a recommended cleaning procedure that should be carried out prior to each sample. The sampler then requires disassembly to load the media and reassembly prior to sampling. And then, of course, disassembly to remove the petri dish and reassembly prior to moving or storing the sampler. This is followed by the need to secure the petri dish lid with parafilm or similar laboratory tape.

The BioCassette™ requires only the removal of a plastic plug and sealing label for sampling. Replace these components after sampling and the device is ready to ship to the laboratory.

Reducing Errors

Often you have only one opportunity to take a sample. The fact that Andersen style samplers require disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly with every sample introduces many opportunities for error. There are more chances for contamination, cross-contamination, poor air seals, clogged impactor holes, and unintended airflow. Some of these errors cannot be detected until the samples are analyzed.

The BioCassette™ eliminates these failure modes. You can rest assured that these types of questions are no longer threats to your protocol in legal cases.

Additional Information

BioCassette™ Brochure (pdf)

BioCassette™ vs Andersen N6 (pdf)

BioCassette™ Positive-Hole Correction Table (pdf)

Order the BioCassette
at our online store.