SKC 225-9611 BioStage Single-stage Bioaerosol Impactor - Manual (Page 5)

5
Removing the Agar Plate (Sample)
1. Remove the inlet cone and jet classifi cation stage (see Assembly, Steps 1 and 2).
2. Remove the agar plate containing the sample and replace its cover
immediately.
3. According to laboratory instructions, label the bottom of the agar plate with
all pertinent sampling information. Seal the agar plate lid to the plate with
tape and place in a sealable bag.
4. According to laboratory instructions, place the agar plate containing the
sample in an ice chest with blue ice.
Caution: Ensure ice packs are not touching the plates to prevent freezing.
5. According to laboratory instructions, immediately ship the agar plates
containing the samples and a blank agar plate (see Blanks) to a laboratory.
Blanks
NIOSH suggests that a representative agar plate be loaded into the BioStage and
immediately unloaded to serve as a blank for each sample.
Cleaning and Sterilizing
To clean the BioStage, disassemble and place the parts in an ultrasonic bath with a
mild detergent-water solution. Thoroughly rinse and air dry in a dust-free space.
To Sterilize the BioStage:
a. Remove the O-rings and autoclave
b. Immerse in 70% isopropanol or ethanol and air dry
For fi eld sterilization, parts can be swabbed using a sterile gauze pad with 70%
isopropanol or ethanol and air dried.
Note: During cleaning, visually inspect the condition of the O-ring in the inlet
cone and in the base plate. Ensure the O-ring surface is smooth (i.e., without
cracks, cuts, or other damage). Ensure the O-ring fi ts properly in the channel
in the inlet cone and the base plate. The O-ring should lay fl ush with the upper
lip of the channel. Replace if there is apparent damage, stretching, or thinning.