“
SAS Super IAQ” Rev. 1 Pg.
2
ENGLISH
SECTION TWO
•
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1.
PRINCIPLE OF SURFACE AIR SYSTEM
The Surface Air System (SAS) encompasses several models which use the same principle.
Air is aspirated at a fixed speed for variable time through a head which has been machined
with a series of small holes of a special design. The resulting laminar air flow is directed onto
the agar surface of a “RODAC Plate” (or a Petri dish) containing medium consistent with the
microbiological examination to be made. When the preset sampling cycle is completed, the
plate is removed and incubated. The organisms are then visible to the naked eye and can be
counted for an assessment of the level of contamination.
2.
THE BASIC IDEA
The major points of the Surface Air System (SAS) are:
A.
To use a simple and inexpensive “Contact Plate” (“SURFAIR PLATE”, “RODAC”) for
surface, hands or air control. These plates are very well known and easily available. They
can be purchased ready poured with different media.
B.
To sample a known volume of air for a variable time to provide a range of sampling
volumes.
C.
To aspirate air in a laminar flow pattern with sufficient velocity to impact organisms onto
an agar surface.
D.
To accumulate data on the level of hygiene in each environment so that fluctuation can be
monitored.
E.
To take advantage of advanced electronics for more reliable results in different operating
conditions.
F.
To have the flexibility to choose between 55 mm Contact Plates, 84 mm Maxi Contact
Plates or 90 mm Standard Petri Dishes.
G.
To apply cGLP and cGMP to air
sampling operations.
H.
To organize sequential sampling
to obtain a more representative
sample under actual operating
conditions.