Zefon A6 Single-Stage Impaction Air Microbial Sampler

Overview

The Zefon A6 Single-Stage Impaction Air Microbial Sampler is a precision-engineered, NIOSH-validated instrument designed for quantitative collection of culturable airborne microorganisms—including bacteria, fungal spores, and mold—via inertial impaction. Operating on the principle of high-velocity air acceleration through 400 precisely drilled orifices (0.032″ diameter), the A6 directs viable particles onto the surface of standard agar-filled Petri dishes with aerodynamic efficiency optimized at its nominal flow rate of 28.3 LPM (1 ACFM). Its cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 0.65 µm ensures effective capture of respirable-sized bioaerosols relevant to occupational health and indoor air quality assessment. As a direct functional and dimensional replica of the Andersen N-6 single-stage impactor, the A6 maintains full methodological equivalence in performance testing, inter-laboratory reproducibility, and regulatory acceptability.

Key Features

• Aerospace-grade aluminum construction ensures mechanical rigidity, thermal stability, and long-term corrosion resistance in field and laboratory environments.
• Modular three-part assembly secured by stainless-steel spring clamps and dual O-ring seals guarantees leak-tight operation and consistent flow profile across repeated sampling cycles.
• Optimized nozzle geometry and calibrated 400-orifice plate deliver uniform jet velocity distribution and minimal particle bounce or re-aerosolization—critical for colony-forming unit (CFU) quantification accuracy.
• Fully compatible with ISO-standard 100 mm × 15 mm Petri dishes, eliminating need for custom media preparation or adapter hardware.
• Designed for seamless integration with NIST-traceable primary flow standards (e.g., Gilian Gilibrator®, Bios Defender®) using the optional Z-A6-CAL series tandem calibration adapter—ensuring compliance with ISO 14698-1 and EU GMP Annex 1 requirements for airflow verification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The A6 is validated for use with conventional nutrient agars (TSA, SDA), selective media (e.g., DG18 for xerophilic fungi), and environmental isolates from HVAC systems, cleanrooms, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing suites, and agricultural facilities. It meets the performance criteria outlined in NIOSH Methods 0800 (viable bioaerosols) and 0801 (non-viable particulate sizing correlation), and supports data integrity protocols aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant flow measurement logs and electronic lab notebook (ELN) integration. Its physical design conforms to ASTM D5755–22 for bioaerosol sampler interchangeability and is routinely cited in peer-reviewed studies adhering to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While the A6 itself is a passive, non-electronic sampling device, its operational workflow integrates with digital metrology platforms via external flow calibrators equipped with audit-trail-capable firmware. When used with Gilian or Bios calibration instruments, raw flow data—including timestamped pressure, temperature, and volumetric correction factors—is exportable in CSV or XML format for traceable record retention. Laboratories implementing GLP or GMP practices routinely embed A6 sampling events into LIMS workflows using standardized SOP templates (e.g., SOP-MICRO-027), where flow validation certificates, Petri dish lot numbers, incubation conditions, and CFU enumeration results are linked to individual sampling IDs.

Applications

• Occupational exposure assessment in healthcare, biotech, and food processing facilities per OSHA and ACGIH TLV® guidelines.
• Baseline and routine monitoring of ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms per ISO 14644-1 and EU GMP Annex 1.
• Validation of HEPA filter integrity and HVAC system efficacy during commissioning and periodic requalification.
• Epidemiological investigation of airborne pathogen dispersion in outbreak settings (e.g., Aspergillus in transplant units).
• Environmental monitoring programs supporting USP , , and compliance in sterile compounding pharmacies.

FAQ

What is the recommended calibration frequency for the A6 sampler?
Per ISO 14698-1, flow calibration must be performed before each sampling session or at least every 2 hours during continuous operation, using a NIST-traceable primary standard in tandem configuration with the Z-A6-CAL adapter.
Can the A6 be used for non-viable particle collection?
No—the A6 is specifically designed for viable microorganism recovery via impaction onto growth media; it does not retain particles for gravimetric or microscopic analysis.
Is the A6 suitable for outdoor ambient air monitoring?
Yes, when mounted on the included ZA0043 tripod and powered by a portable 28.3 LPM pump, it delivers robust performance under variable temperature and humidity conditions typical of field deployments.
Does the A6 require electrical power?
No—the sampler itself is entirely passive; only the external vacuum pump and flow meter require power (120 VAC for the ZHV00-A6-KIT configuration).
How is sample recovery efficiency validated?
Recovery rates are determined empirically using monodisperse fluorescent microspheres (e.g., 0.65–1.0 µm polystyrene latex) aerosolized via Collison nebulizer and enumerated via epifluorescence microscopy—results consistently exceed 92% across multiple independent laboratories.