A comparative evaluation of a new centrifugal air sampler (RCS) with a slit air sampler (SAS) in a hospital environment

Simultaneous air samples were taken from different locations in a hospital using a Reuter centrifugal (RCS) and a slit air sampler (SAS). Colony forming units were counted after 48 h incubation at 37 °C. The average bacterial counts were over 90 per cent higher with the RCS than with the SAS. The RCS sampler is more portable, easier to handle and is very quiet in operation producing no disturbance to patients and staff.