MicroBio Cross Contamination Risk Statement
The MicroBio range of bioaerosol samplers are designed to offer minimal chances of cross
contamination within all applications, so long as operational precautions are taken.
Definition
Cross-contamination is what happens when bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally
transferred from one object to another. Moving any equipment between cleanrooms or between
different cleanroom classes will always carry a risk of cross contamination.
Avoiding Cross Contamination
To avoid cross contamination, the air sampler should be designated for use only in one dedicated
zone and only for one cleanroom class. Different zones or classes should each have their own air
sampler.
If moving the same air sampler between zones within the same cleanroom class, then cleaning
protocols should be used when the device leaves the zone and when entering the next zone.
Such protocols are under the control of users only, but we have some recommendations below.
Cleaning of MicroBio Air Samplers
The devices can be cleaned using most methods employed within cleanrooms, except the use of
caustic based cleaning agents. IPA wipes or hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) based cleaning can
be regularly used. Full guidance is in the operating manuals. For the air inlet and exhaust points,
cleaning swabs can be used on the inlet and exhaust paths along with IPA cleaning sprays.
Alternatively HPV cleaning can be used.
Mechanisms for Cross Contamination
All surfaces are easily cleaned. The air flow path on MicroBio Air Sampler passes direct from the
blower inlet, through the blades and is directly exhausted. It does not pass over any other
components within the structure of the air sampler.
Limitation
MicroBio air samplers do not incorporate HEPA filtering. HEPA filtering only needs to be
considered if the same single air sampler is to be used across multiple cleanroom classes and
between use thorough cleaning is not possible.
Disclaimer
Cantium Scientific Limited has no control of the operation of the products at customer facilities. It
is the customer’s responsibility to determine the suitability of the MicroBio air sampler to their
application.