Why Viable Air Samplers Are Important

In today’s world, precision and cleanliness are critical in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Among the many tools used to maintain strict cleanliness standards, viable air samplers stand out as a key player. But why are these devices so essential? Let’s dive into the reasons.

What Are Viable Particle Counters?

Viable air samplers are specialized instruments designed to detect and measure viable particles—tiny microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and yeast—in cleanroom environments. Unlike non-viable particle counters, which measure total particulates regardless of whether they’re alive or inert, viable particle counters specifically identify those that can reproduce and potentially contaminate processes or products. After the air sample is pulled onto an agar media and is incubated, the identification of species of viable particle can be known.

The Risks of Viable Particles

In sensitive environments, even the smallest contamination can have significant consequences:

1. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: A single viable particle can compromise the sterility of a drug, posing risks to patient safety and potentially leading to costly recalls.
2. Biotechnology Processes: Microorganisms can interfere with cell cultures and biological processes, impacting product yield and quality.
3. Medical Device Manufacturing: These devices require sterile manufacturing environments to both ensure patient safety and device effectiveness.

The Role of Viable Air Samplers in Cleanrooms

Cleanrooms are meticulously controlled spaces where air cleanliness is maintained to strict standards. Viable particle counters help ensure that these environments remain free of harmful microorganisms by:

1. Monitoring Air Quality: Regular air sampling identifies any deviations in microbial contamination levels, allowing for immediate corrective actions.
2. Validating Processes: During production, viable particle counters validate that aseptic conditions are maintained, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements like ISO 14698 and GMP standards.
3. Trend Analysis: Continuous monitoring helps identify patterns or trends in contamination, enabling proactive measures to prevent issues before they arise.

Benefits of Using Viable Air Samplers

1. Enhanced Product Safety: By detecting microbial contamination early, viable particle counters safeguard the integrity and safety of products.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting stringent industry standards becomes easier with reliable microbial monitoring.
3. Cost Savings: Preventing contamination reduces the likelihood of costly recalls, production delays, or regulatory penalties.

Choosing the Right Viable Air Samplers

When selecting a viable particle counter, it’s essential to consider:

• Sensitivity and Accuracy: Look for instruments that can reliably detect even the smallest viable particles.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces and straightforward sampling methods make operation smoother.
• Data Integration: The ability to integrate with monitoring systems for real-time data analysis is a big plus.

Viable Air Samplers from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions

The ActiveCount family of portable viable air samplers exemplify high-performance design and functionality. These active air samplers are tailored for cleanrooms and aseptic environments, offering key features such as:

• Battery Life: 8-10 hours of normal use.
• Sampling Modes: Continuous, periodic, and gas sampling for versatile applications.
• Security: Password protection for sample settings ensures operational integrity.
• Data Management: USB flash drive compatibility for easy data logging.
• Programmability: 400 programmable location names and 50 user profiles for streamlined operations.
• Compliance: Fully compliant with ISO 14698-1 standards.
• Sterility: Includes an autoclavable sampling head, dust cover, and wipe-down-friendly design for sterile conditions.

Both the ActiveCount100H and ActiveCount25H models also feature a HEPA filtered exhaust, a removable magnetic baseplate, and a stainless-steel sampling head and dust cover ensuring robust performance in demanding environments.

The ActiveCountR is a fixed location viable counter designed to meet the industry need for continuous trouble-free operation and flexible running parameters. ActiveCountR offers these key features, and is available with or without an internal pump:

• Designed for EN17141:2020 Compliance
• 1 CFM (28.3 LPM) sample rate
• Also available in lower flow 10L/min sample flow head for continuous monitoring
• Enables up to 4hrs media exposure time with this low flow sample head (10L/min)
• Utilizes an external vacuum system (R Model) / or optional internal pump (Rp Model)
• Local start/stop control or remote control via software
• Stainless steel enclosure
• Single start/stop push button
• Local LED status indicators
• Third-party validated sampling head
• 2 year warranty

A Final Word

Viable air samplers are an indispensable tool for industries where contamination control is paramount. By ensuring the cleanliness of air and surfaces, these devices play a vital role in protecting products, processes, and ultimately, people.

Investing in high-quality viable air samplers can make all the difference in maintaining the integrity of your cleanroom operations. Stay proactive, stay clean, and keep your processes thriving!