A new sub-sampling method for analysis of air samples collected with the Andersen single-stage sampler

A protocol for bioaerosol collection was developed that provides not only accurate predictions of fungal concentration, but also improves species recovery. Random transfer of a subset of 50 of the 400 impaction points from Andersen single-stage bioaerosol sampling plates results in subcultures that are accurate predictors of fungal concentration (CFU/m super(3)), when compared to duplicate untouched Andersen plates. A linear regression model was developed to estimate CFU/m super(3) from the colonies counted on the Random-50 plates. The random transfer to five plates ('Random-50' plates), allows large numbers of fungi to be recovered and identified, including slow-growing fungi that otherwise would be masked by fast-growing fungi.