Volume 18, Issue 2 (Occupational Medicine Quarterly Journal 2026)
tkj 2026, 18(2): 8-22 |
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Research code: 21620
Ethics code: IR.SUMS.REC.1399.846
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Hashemi M, Yarmohammadi R, Yousefinejad S, Gholampour M, Jafari S. Redesign and Development of a Biosampler and Evaluation of Its Collection Efficiency. tkj 2026; 18 (2) :8-22
URL: http://tkj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1392-en.html
URL: http://tkj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1392-en.html
Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , Saeed_jafari@sums.ac.ir
Abstract: (47 Views)
Redesign and Development of a Biosampler and Evaluation of Its Collection Efficiency
Hashemi M1,2, Yarmohammadi R1,2, Yousefinejad S2, Gholampour M3, Jafari S2[1]
1 Student research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Understanding the nature and concentration of airborne viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and the common cold is essential for assessing transmission risk and developing preventive measures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of BioSampler and impinger samplers in detecting these viruses in indoor air of healthcare centers in a southern city of Iran. In addition, the redesign and fabrication process of the BioSampler are presented.
Methods and Materials: The biosampler was redesigned based on scientific literature and manufactured at a laboratory equipment production center. Its collection efficiency was evaluated at different flow rates and varying volumes of absorbing liquid. Simultaneous air sampling was conducted using an impinger (2 L/min) and a BioSampler (15 L/min). A Munro L40 pump and a T-connector were used to operate both samplers concurrently. Sample analysis was performed using RT-PCR. In total, 20 air samples were collected from different hospital wards. Environmental parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, airflow rate, and air change rate, were measured.
Results: Airflow rates ranging from 5 to 20 L/min were evaluated. Collection efficiency reached its maximum at 15 L/min, and further increases in flow rate did not improve performance. The volume of collection liquid was examined from 10 to 25 mL, with the highest efficiency observed at 25 mL. No RNA of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, or common cold viruses was detected in any of the air samples.
Conclusion: No viruses were detected in samples collected using either the BioSampler or the impinger. This may be attributed to the effects of temperature and humidity on the viability of airborne viruses, the low concentration of virus-containing particles in the air, and potential limitations of the analytical method.
Keywords: Indoor air quality, Biosampler, Impinger, Bioaerosol, Airborne Viruses transmitted via aerosols
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health Professional
Received: 2025/10/28 | Accepted: 2026/05/30 | Published: 2026/08/1
Received: 2025/10/28 | Accepted: 2026/05/30 | Published: 2026/08/1
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