Allergen in Air Sampling for Laboratory Animals
To monitor the effectiveness of laboratory animal allergen control measures, or to determine occupational exposure of lab workers, EMSL offers analysis of air for Animal Allergen exposure. It is estimated that up to 20% of people working with laboratory animals experience allergic symptoms, and about 10% will develop serious asthma symptoms.
Sampling Procedure:
- Utilizing a low-volume sampling pump, sample the work environment with a 37-mm cassette with either a 1.0 micron glass fiber filter or a 0.8 micron MCE filter.
- Collection time should be 1.5-2.5 liters per minute and the sampling time should be four (4) to eight (8) hours. (Note time in minutes for chain of custody)
- Label each sample cassette with location name and date/time sampled.
- Utilize an EMSL Microbiology Chain of Custody Form, and complete with your requested Billing and Reporting Information. For each sample collected, include the sample number, location, matrix (Air), Test Code (see below), Total Volume collected in minutes (ie. 1.8LPM x 240 minutes = 432 total sample volume), and Date/Time collected. Sign, and submit to EMSL Analytical, Inc. – Cinnaminson, NJ location.
Exposure Guidelines:
There are no established OSHA or other regulatory agency occupational exposure limits (OELs) for animal allergens. However, most industrial hygienists in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries seek results less than 5 nanograms of allergen per cubic meter of air (<5ng/m3 ).
| Allergen Analyses Available | |
|---|---|
| Test Code | Description |
| M038 Mouse | Mouse (Mus m 1) |
| M039 Rat | Rat (Rat n 1) |
| M254 IA Group | Rat and Mouse |
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