Thermo Scientific AerosolSense Air Sampler & Renvo Rapid PCR Detection System

Overview

The Thermo Scientific AerosolSense Air Sampler and Renvo Rapid PCR Detection System constitute an integrated environmental pathogen surveillance platform engineered for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of airborne biological threats in occupied indoor spaces. Unlike conventional personal exposure assessment methods—such as nasopharyngeal swabbing or individual breath sampling—the AerosolSense system operates on the principle of active volumetric air sampling followed by nucleic acid extraction and isothermal or rapid thermal PCR amplification. It captures bioaerosols across a defined aerodynamic particle size range (typically 0.5–10 µm), where respirable pathogens—including influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV-B), and SARS-CoV-2—predominantly reside. The system leverages a high-efficiency inertial impaction and liquid-based collection mechanism to preserve RNA integrity during sampling, minimizing degradation and maximizing downstream assay sensitivity. This architecture enables quantitative environmental risk profiling without reliance on symptomatic individuals, thereby supporting proactive public health decision-making in dynamic operational settings.

Key Features

• Integrated end-to-end workflow: From aerosol capture to molecular detection within a single validated ecosystem
• AerosolSense sampler: Compact, battery-operated design with programmable flow rate (10–30 L/min) and silent operation suitable for continuous deployment in sensitive environments (e.g., patient rooms, classrooms)
• Renvo analyzer: Benchtop, self-contained PCR instrument utilizing Oscillating Amplification Reaction (Oscar™) technology—a proprietary thermal cycling modulation method that reduces total amplification time to ≤30 minutes while maintaining analytical specificity equivalent to standard laboratory qPCR
• No external thermocycler or RNA extraction workstation required: Integrated lysis, reverse transcription, and amplification modules eliminate manual transfer steps and reduce contamination risk
• Touchscreen interface with guided protocol navigation; minimal operator training required (≤15 minutes for certified personnel)
• On-device data logging with encrypted storage; exportable CSV/JSON output compatible with enterprise LIMS and epidemiological dashboards

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AerosolSense-Renvo platform is validated for use with liquid-captured bioaerosol samples collected in sterile RNase-free collection media. It supports direct analysis of eluates without prior purification—enabling streamlined processing for time-critical applications. Method validation reports confirm performance against ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom airflow conditions and ASTM E3278-22 guidelines for environmental bioaerosol sampling. When deployed in regulated environments—including clinical laboratories, long-term care facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing suites—the system supports alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through optional audit-trail-enabled firmware and electronic signature integration. All reagents are manufactured under ISO 13485-certified quality systems and supplied with CoA documentation traceable to NIST-traceable reference materials.

Software & Data Management

Instrument control and data interpretation are managed via Thermo Fisher Connect Cloud software, which provides role-based access control, automated report generation, and configurable alert thresholds for pathogen concentration exceedance. Raw fluorescence curves, Ct values, and amplification efficiency metrics are stored with full metadata—including sampling location, duration, ambient temperature/humidity, and operator ID. Data exports comply with MIAME and MIAPE reporting standards, facilitating integration into institutional biosurveillance networks and CDC’s National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS). Optional API connectivity allows interoperability with building management systems (BMS) for correlated HVAC performance analysis.

Applications

• Hospital infection prevention and control programs: Early warning of airborne pathogen circulation in emergency departments, ICUs, and waiting areas
• Long-term care facilities: Routine monitoring to inform cohorting strategies and PPE deployment policies
• Government and corporate office buildings: Objective verification of ventilation efficacy and mitigation measure compliance
• Educational institutions: Asymptomatic surveillance in dormitories, cafeterias, and lecture halls to guide class modality decisions
• Pharmaceutical cleanrooms and biomanufacturing suites: Environmental monitoring beyond viable particle counts to include viral load trending
• Public transportation hubs: High-turnover space assessment to validate filtration upgrades and occupancy controls

FAQ

What types of pathogens can the AerosolSense-Renvo system detect?
The system is validated for Influenza A, Influenza B, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV-B. Custom assay development for additional targets (e.g., rhinovirus, adenovirus) is supported under Thermo Fisher’s Assay Development Services program.
Does the system require a dedicated laboratory environment?
No. Both the AerosolSense sampler and Renvo analyzer are designed for field-deployable operation. The Renvo unit meets IEC 61000-4-2 EMC standards and operates on standard AC power or optional external battery packs.
How is sample volume quantified and normalized?
AerosolSense incorporates a calibrated mass flow sensor and real-time pressure compensation algorithm. Total sampled volume is automatically recorded and embedded in each result file for concentration normalization (copies/m³).
Can data be integrated with existing facility management systems?
Yes. RESTful API endpoints and HL7/FHIR-compliant messaging adapters are available under Thermo Fisher’s Enterprise Integration Package.
Is the Oscar™ amplification chemistry compatible with third-party primers/probes?
Oscar™ is a proprietary thermal modulation protocol, but the Renvo instrument accepts standard TaqMan®-format assays. Thermo Fisher provides primer-probe sets pre-optimized for target stability and cross-reactivity minimization.