Improved Viable Particle Discrimination With Real-Time Viable Particle Counter

This application note describes the performance of a new algorithm developed for use by the BioTrak® Real-Time Viable Particle Counter to determine the viability of a particle based on its measured optical properties. The new algorithm will be compared relative to the previously validated high-sensitivity algorithm—specifically describing the impact of the new algorithm on viable particle discrimination with respect to test aerosols of microorganisms and interferents (non-viable particulates).

The new algorithm is a conservative improvement to the previously validated version. This means that any particle that was considered viable by the original high-sensitivity algorithm is also considered viable by the new algorithm.

The new algorithm was developed chiefly to improve the detection capability of molds. Molds were not readily aerosolized during the development of the original algorithm and, therefore, it was not specifically trained to detect those optical signatures. Improvements made in the detection of molds are clearly demonstrated in the results section.