BioTrak™ Real-Time Viable Particle Counter Sample And Collection Efficiency

The BIOTRAK Real-Time Viable Particle Counter is a full-featured Rapid Microbial Method (RMM) instrument that detects the total number of particles in the air as well as determines which of those particles are viable in nature. Additionally, the BIOTRAK product incorporates a particle collection filter so the optically analyzed particles are available for subsequent speciation analysis. The BIOTRAK Particle Counter incorporates proven technologies leveraging TSI’s experience in particle measurement theory, instrument development, and calibration. the primary components of the BIOTRAK Particle Counter.

This Application Note presents issues related to aerosol sample and collection efficiency during various stages of the aerosol path in the BIOTRAK Particle Counter, and relates those efficiencies to other methods, like Active Air Samplers. When applying a viable particle counter, or any particle device in a cleanroom, proper characterization of the product is important so results can be understood, leading to root cause identification, and ultimately to continual improvement.

The Particle Counter section is an ISO-21501-4 compliant airborne particle counter, similar to TSI AEROTRAK™ Portable Particle Counters. A high flow rate is needed to inspect the sample volumes mandated by regulatory requirements in a reasonable time, to provide sufficient particle counts for statistical accuracy, and to enable a high probability of capturing contamination events. For more information on this measurement, please refer to TSI Application Note CC-102, Importance of Good Non- Viable Measurements.