Important information on microbial air sampling for our readers

In the article entitled, “Examining ways to capture airborne microorganisms,” page 34, June 1997, CleanRooms magazine, there are several errors that we`d like to correct and explain to our readers before they draw any conclusions about the products and processes discussed within that article. We encourage our readers who are interested in air sampling processes/products to take the time to review this correction and follow up with the companies who make these products for further technical information.

Due to an editing error, readers may have the impression that this article is a comprehensive listing of all methods used to capture airborne microorganisms. In fact, the article, as originally written by the authors, is not meant to be a comprehensive article on every available type of sampling method. The author`s original intention was to discuss techniques of sampling and active sampling processes. However, there are other methods and processes available for sampling. (See “Companies who provide microbial sampling products,” at right.)

In addition, CleanRooms` editors discovered that some of the information presented in this article disregarded current research, presented inaccurate facts about certain products (See “Reader Feedback,” “More objective perspective needed” and “SMA omitted,” below), and may mislead readers.

Although the authors state that “the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter <1116> gives recommendations for bacterial levels in designated areas that are accepted by both industry and regulatory authorities,” this is not true.

In addition, CleanRooms wants to be sure that our readers take note of the fact that one of the authors of the article is employed by Sartorius Corp., whose product — a gelatin membrane filtration method — was concluded by the authors to be a new and accurate technique for sampling. CleanRooms regrets that the article appeared to advocate a vendor`s technology rather than objectively explain that vendor`s technology. CR