Planning Air Microbiology Sample Collection and Submission

Before Collection

Provide the investigation objective and requested analysis. Confirm accepted equipment, media, handling conditions, transport timing and laboratory submission requirements. Ask who is responsible for sampling and whether air sampler rental is needed.

Document Each Sample

Identify the sample clearly and record the collection information relevant to the method:

• Sample ID and collection location (including room, height, zone, or HVAC duct identifier).
• Collection date and time (start and end times).
• Equipment and collection medium (impactor model, agar plate lot, or filter media type).
• Duration, instrument settings and sampled air volume where applicable (litres or cubic metres).
• Relevant environmental or production conditions (temperature, relative humidity, occupancy, active sanitation, ventilation rate).
• Collector identity, requested analysis and comparison purpose.

Maintain Sample Integrity

Follow PBR’s confirmed method-specific instructions for packaging, handling and transport. Avoid inventing a generic temperature or holding time for all air samples. If a delay or collection problem occurs, tell PBR before submission.

Submitting Samples

Supply the requested analysis and collection record with the samples. Ask PBR which sample-submission or chain-of-custody documentation is required for the project. Confirm the delivery arrangements, decision deadline and expected reporting before dispatch.

Common Mistakes

Using an incompatible collection medium, missing sample labels, omitting air volume where needed, ordering an unsuitable target, or collecting before confirming laboratory acceptance can limit the usefulness of results. Contact PBR first rather than relying on an assumed generic protocol.

Review analytical distinctions in Air Enumeration versus Presence/Absence Testing and compare sample types in Air Microbiology Testing versus Surface Swab Testing.

Confirm Your Collection Plan

Tell PBR the collection date, project location, sample count, equipment and analysis. We can discuss sample acceptance, rental options and laboratory submission requirements.