Applying PulseTest method to detect the possible sources of biological contaminants in one office

The PulseTest method was used to detect the possible sources of biological contaminants in one office room. Different pressure conditions are created via closing and/or opening the air vents. This helps to examine the possible pollution sources as surface emissions, structural leaks emissions, supplied air and outdoor air origins. Microbial concentrations were determined with RCS Microbial air sampler (TC+SDX strips). One set of TC strips was incubated at 37 degreeC to detect potentially pathogenic microbes. The other strips were incubated following supplier instructions. Particulates matter (PM) with a cut-off size of 2 mu m were monitored. No moulds grew on the TC strips. Airborne microbial concentrations were very low (<35 CFU/m3) but correlated withthe PM concentrations. It was difficult to detect sources of microbial pollution as concentrations were so low.