Zefon A6 Single-Stage Microbial Impactor

Overview

The Zefon A6 Single-Stage Microbial Impactor is a precision-engineered, NIOSH-compliant inertial impactor designed for quantitative collection of viable airborne microorganisms—including bacteria, yeasts, molds, and fungal spores—onto standard microbiological growth media. Based on the principle of inertial impaction, the device accelerates sampled air through a precisely machined nozzle array; particles with sufficient aerodynamic mass (>0.65 µm aerodynamic diameter) deviate from the airstream and impact onto the surface of a rotating or stationary 100 mm × 15 mm agar-filled Petri dish. This physical separation mechanism ensures high collection efficiency for culturable bioaerosols while minimizing shear-induced viability loss—a critical requirement for environmental monitoring in regulated life science and industrial hygiene applications.

Key Features

• Validated inertial impactor design with demonstrated statistical equivalence to other ISO/NIOSH-recognized single-stage samplers in inter-laboratory performance studies
• Aerosol cut-off diameter of 0.65 µm—optimized for capturing respirable and culturable fungal propagules and bacterial aggregates
• Machined from aerospace-grade aluminum for dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and long-term calibration integrity
• Compact footprint (4.25″ diameter × 2.87″ height) and lightweight construction (1.23 lb) enable rapid deployment in cleanrooms, biosafety cabinets, and field environments
• Compatible with standard 100 mm × 15 mm Petri dishes—eliminating need for proprietary consumables and ensuring seamless integration into existing microbiological workflows
• Designed for operation at 28.3 LPM (1 ACFM), aligning with NIOSH Methods 0800 (viable bioaerosols) and 0801 (non-viable particulate matter), supporting compliance-driven sampling protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Zefon A6 is validated for use with conventional nutrient, selective, and differential agars—including Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), and Malt Extract Agar (MEA)—enabling recovery and enumeration of diverse microbial taxa. Its mechanical design and flow characteristics meet the performance criteria outlined in NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) Chapters 0800 and 0801. While not intrinsically certified to ISO 14698-1 or EU GMP Annex 1, the A6 is routinely deployed in facilities operating under those frameworks when paired with documented SOPs, traceable flow calibration (using Z-A6-CAL adapter), and GLP-aligned data recording practices. Regulatory auditors recognize its use in environmental monitoring programs where impactor-based sampling is specified per internal quality standards or client requirements.

Software & Data Management

The Zefon A6 operates as a hardware component within a manual or semi-automated sampling system and does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. Flow rate verification requires external, NIST-traceable rotameters or electronic flow meters (e.g., Zefon Z-Flow series). For audit-ready documentation, users integrate the A6 into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN) via standardized sampling logs that record lot numbers of Petri dishes, pump runtime, calibrated flow values, sampling location IDs, and environmental parameters (temperature, RH). When used in FDA-regulated environments, full traceability—including calibration certificates for flow meters and impactor adapters—is maintained per 21 CFR Part 11 principles where electronic records are employed.

Applications

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments in healthcare facilities, schools, and office buildings
• Environmental monitoring during sterile drug manufacturing (Grade A–D zones per EU GMP Annex 1)
• Microbial load mapping in animal research facilities and vivariums
• Baseline and routine bioaerosol characterization in wastewater treatment plants and composting operations
• Validation of HEPA filtration efficacy and cleanroom classification (ISO 14644-1)
• Process monitoring in fermentation bioreactors (brewing, pharmaceutical bioprocessing)
• Pathogen surveillance in food processing environments subject to FSMA Preventive Controls
• Grain storage and transport hygiene verification to mitigate mycotoxin risk

FAQ

What is the recommended flow rate for NIOSH-compliant sampling?
The Zefon A6 is validated for operation at 28.3 LPM (1 ACFM), which satisfies the volumetric requirements of NIOSH Methods 0800 and 0801.
Is calibration required before each use?
Yes—flow calibration must be performed prior to each sampling event using a NIST-traceable flow meter; the Z-A6-CAL adapter enables in-line calibration without disassembly.
Can the A6 be used with liquid impingers or cascade impactors?
No—the A6 is a standalone single-stage inertial impactor and is not mechanically or functionally compatible with multi-stage or liquid-based samplers.
Does the unit include a vacuum pump and flow meter?
The ZHV00-A6-KIT configuration includes the impactor head, portable vacuum pump, analog flow meter, silicone tubing, tripod stand (ZA0043), and carrying case—enabling immediate field deployment.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term accuracy?
Routine cleaning of the nozzle plate with isopropyl alcohol and inspection for particulate clogging; annual verification of nozzle dimensions and alignment by an accredited metrology lab is recommended for GxP environments.