The core of maintaining and servicing air microbiological samplers is regular cleaning, standardized operation, and timely calibration, which can ensure equipment sampling accuracy, extend service life, and avoid sample cross contamination.
1. After daily use: basic cleaning and component handling
After each sampling, basic cleaning must be carried out immediately, with a focus on removing residual microorganisms and impurities.
Cleaning of sampling head/tray: Remove the sampling head or tray carrying the culture medium, rinse 2-3 times with sterile water, wipe and disinfect with 75% ethanol solution, and finally air dry in a sterile environment. If a disposable sampling tray is used, it should be treated directly as medical waste.
Cleaning of the casing and operation panel: Use a soft cloth dipped in diluted neutral cleaner to wipe the equipment casing, and then dry it with a dry cloth; Gently wipe the operation panel with an alcohol swab to prevent liquid from seeping into the gaps between the buttons.
Airflow channel inspection: Observe whether there are blockages or foreign objects in the intake and exhaust pipes. If there is dust accumulation, gently clean it with a dry soft bristled brush to ensure smooth airflow.
2. Regular maintenance: inspection and replacement of core components
Conduct in-depth maintenance based on the frequency of device usage (usually every 1-3 months), with a focus on components that are prone to wear and tear and affect accuracy.
Filter replacement: Check the air filter at the intake port. If there is obvious dust, stains, or blockage, immediately replace it with a new sterile filter to prevent external impurities from entering the sampling system.
Motor and fan maintenance: Listen for any abnormal noise during motor operation. If the noise is too loud or the speed drops, contact a professional to check the motor bearings. If necessary, add lubricating oil or replace the motor.
Battery maintenance (portable models): If it is a rechargeable sampler, the principle of "shallow charging and shallow discharging" should be followed to avoid excessive battery discharge; When not in use for a long time, the battery should be charged to 50% -70% capacity for storage, and recharged every 3 months.
3. Accuracy calibration: ensuring accurate sampling data
The flow rate, time and other parameters of the sampler need to be calibrated regularly, usually every 6 months, or immediately after equipment maintenance or replacement of core components.
Flow calibration: Use a certified soap film flowmeter or electronic flowmeter, connect it to the sampler inlet, set different sampling flow rates (such as 10L/min, 50L/min), compare the device display value with the standard flowmeter reading, and control the error within ± 5%. If it exceeds, adjust the device flow valve.
Time calibration: Set a fixed sampling time (such as 5 minutes, 30 minutes), record the actual running time with a stopwatch, and ensure that the equipment timing error does not exceed ± 1%. If it does not match, enter the equipment system for time calibration.
4. Long term storage: avoid equipment damage
If the equipment is not used for a long time (more than one month), it needs to be stored and protected.
Disassembly and storage of components: Remove the detachable sampling head, filter, battery, and other components and store them separately in sterile bags or drying boxes to avoid damage caused by mutual compression between components.
Environmental requirements: Store the host and components in a dry, ventilated, and non corrosive gas environment, with a temperature controlled between 5-30 ℃ and a relative humidity not exceeding 70%. Avoid direct sunlight or proximity to heat sources.
Regular startup inspection: Run once a month for 30 minutes each time to keep the motor and circuit system active and prevent component aging.