This how to guide shows best practices for air quality testing from how to order the appropriate sampling supplies, to completing sample submissions, to aseptic sampling techniques, to how to submit samples for testing.

1. Annie Hughes
annieh@abcr.com
AIR QUALITY TESTING:
HOW TO PROPERLY
LABEL, SAMPLE & SHIP

2. AIR QUALITY TESTING
• Order the appropriate sampling supplies from
ABC Research Laboratories
• Clearly identify and label the air plates and
sample submission form
• Learn aseptic sampling techniques before you
begin to collect samples to prevent cross
contamination
• Return samples via overnight shipping with
frozen ice packs
Step by Step Guide:

3. ORDERING THE PROPER SUPPLIES
AIR QUALITY TESTING

4. BACTERIA OR YEAST & MOLD
• Air Plates are used to find out the total
bacterial or the yeast and mold load in
ambient air and to asses the overall air quality
• Generally, if you have results that are greater
than 20 CFU (colony forming units) then further
monitoring is needed in the facility
• Air plates can be placed on any surface to
collect samples:
Open Air Vents, Counter Tops, Flat Surfaces
AIR QUALITY TESTING

5. BACTERIA YEAST & MOLD
For Bacteria Analysis request
the SMA Plates. Please use the
Test Code “PC35-AIR” on the
sample submission form
For Yeast and Mold Analysis
request the SDA Plates. Please
use the Test Code “YM-AIR” on
the sample submission form
AIR QUALITY TESTING

6. AIR QUALITY TESTING
HOW TO IDENTIFY & LABEL SAMPLES
Before you begin to take
the samples:
•Using a Sharpie or permanent marker,
clearly label the air plates
•Use brief descriptions that clearly
identify the sampling area or site
•Record the same descriptions on the
sample submission form

7. AIR QUALITY TESTING
HOW TO SAMPLE
• Wash hands to mid-arms with
antibacterial soap before sampling
• Use clean laboratory gloves
• Put the gloves on aseptically and
avoid touching the inside of the air
plates
• Place the air plates on a flat
surface and open the lid and place
lid at an angle on the plate (AS
SHOWN)
• LEAVE AIR PLATES OPEN AND
EXPOSED FOR 15 MINUTES

8. AIR QUALITY TESTING
PREPARING THE SHIPMENT
• Close the lids on the air
plates and tape securely
closed
• Place each air plate in a
Ziploc bag to prevent
cross contamination
• GOAL: Avoid cross-
contamination

9. AIR QUALITY TESTING
PACK AND SHIP VIA OVERNIGHT
• Place completed sample
submission form in a Ziploc
bag to protect from spills
• Include plenty of frozen ice
packs to maintain the proper
temperature
• Package air plates and
frozen ice packs in an
insulated cooler
• Ship via overnight delivery

10. AIR QUALITY TESTING
We are here to help!
To order environmental supplies, set up an
ABC-R account, or just ask a question, we are
always eager to provide answers. We look
forward to hearing from you!
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866.233.5883
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www.abcr.com