In hospital environments, controlling airborne microorganisms is an important part of environmental monitoring and infection control programs.

Particularly in areas where strict environmental control is required, selecting an appropriate sampling method can directly affect how microbiological data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted.

Thanh Nhàn Hospital previously used a passive airborne microbiological sampling method based on sedimentation. The hospital then switched to active air sampling with the ActiveCount100 – a microbial air sampler from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, supplied by Filterfine Vietnam.

This change allows the facility to actively collect air samples based on a defined air volume, providing a basis for evaluating the microbial density in the air after incubation and analysis.

1. The Practical Challenge: When Air Sampling Requires Greater Control

Before implementing the ActiveCount100, Thanh Nhàn Hospital used a passive airborne microbiological sampling method (settle plate – sedimentation method).

With this method, a culture medium plate is placed at the location to be monitored for a specified period of time. Airborne particles carrying microorganisms may naturally settle onto the surface of the culture medium.

This is a method used in environmental microbiological monitoring. However, the results can be influenced by various factors, including:

• Exposure time of the culture plate;
• Environmental conditions;
• Characteristics of particles carrying microorganisms;
• Location of the culture plate;
• Operating conditions at the time of sampling.

With the need to control the volume of air being sampled, Thanh Nhàn Hospital required a more active sampling method in which air is drawn through a sampling system at a controlled flow rate and volume.

This provided the basis for the hospital to switch to an active microbial air sampling method.

Watch the ActiveCount100 in operation

2. Solution: Active Air Sampling with ActiveCount100

Unlike the passive sedimentation method, the ActiveCount100 actively draws air through the sampling head and directs particles that may contain microorganisms onto the surface of the culture medium based on the principle of impaction.

According to Lighthouse technical documentation, the ActiveCount100 operates at a sampling flow rate of 100 L/min ±4% and supports 8 preset sampling volumes ranging from 20 to 2,000 L.

This creates a clear difference in the way samples are collected:

Passive Sampling Method

Air → Natural sedimentation of microorganisms → Culture plate → Incubation → Result evaluation

Active Sampling Method

Air → ActiveCount100 draws a defined air volume → Particles carrying microorganisms impact the culture medium → Incubation → Result evaluation

With the ActiveCount100, the operator can set the required air sampling volume. For example, according to the Lighthouse operating instructions, when a sampling volume of 1,000 L is selected at a flow rate of 100 L/min, the corresponding sampling time is 10 minutes.

As a result, post-incubation data can be evaluated in relation to the volume of air sampled, rather than being based solely on the exposure time of a culture plate.

3. Implementation Results at Thanh Nhàn Hospital

After implementing the ActiveCount100, Thanh Nhàn Hospital transitioned from passive airborne microbiological sampling to an active air sampling method.

The most significant change was the ability to control the volume of air being sampled.

Defined Air Sampling Volume

The ActiveCount100 operates at a nominal flow rate of 100 L/min ±4% and allows users to select preset sampling volumes. Sampling data, including sampling time, flow rate, and sampled volume, can be recorded in the device data.

Supporting the Evaluation of Airborne Microbial Density

After sampling and carrying out the incubation process according to the facility’s procedures, the results can be evaluated based on the volume of air sampled.

This provides a basis for evaluating airborne microbial density using an active sampling method.

Greater Control Over the Sampling Process

Active sampling allows greater control over the parameters of the sampling process, particularly the airflow rate and sampling volume, thereby supporting the repeatability of the sampling procedure.

4. Feedback from Thanh Nhàn Hospital

According to customer feedback, the ActiveCount100 operates appropriately for the actual usage requirements of Thanh Nhàn Hospital.

The device meets the requirement for transitioning from passive airborne microbiological sampling to active air sampling, allowing the facility to determine the volume of air sampled and use this data when evaluating microbiological results.

This case also demonstrates that the selection of environmental monitoring equipment should be considered based on the sampling method, operational requirements, and control objectives of each facility, rather than relying solely on the technical specifications of the equipment.

5. What Is the ActiveCount100?

The ActiveCount100 is a portable active microbial air sampler from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, designed for air sampling applications in cleanrooms, sterile environments, and other areas requiring microbiological monitoring.

According to official Lighthouse technical documentation, the ActiveCount100 features:

• Sampling flow rate of 100 L/min ±4%;
• 300-hole impactor head;
• Compatibility with standard 90 mm Petri dishes;
• 8 preset sampling volumes ranging from 20 to 2,000 L;
• 3.5-inch color touchscreen;
• USB data logging;
• Recording of information such as sampling time, location, user, sampling duration, flow rate, and sampling volume;
• Continuous and periodic sampling modes;
• Stainless steel enclosure.

Lighthouse describes the ActiveCount product family as portable active air samplers for cleanrooms and sterile environments, with applications including environmental monitoring programs, continuous microbial monitoring, and sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing.

What Applications Is the ActiveCount100 Suitable For?

The device can be used in airborne microbiological sampling programs for:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities;
• Cleanrooms;
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing;
• Biotechnology;
• Medical device manufacturing;
• Laboratories;
• Other controlled environments.

6. Filterfine Vietnam – Supplying ActiveCount100 and Microbial Air Sampling Solutions

Filterfine Vietnam supplies equipment solutions for cleanroom environmental monitoring, microbial control, and quality control across healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and manufacturing industries.

With the Lighthouse ActiveCount100, Filterfine Vietnam provides not only the equipment but also technical consultation to help customers select and implement a solution that meets their actual requirements.

Depending on the application, sampling area, and operating procedures, customers can receive consultation on:

• Appropriate sampling methods;
• Sampling volume;
• Sampling location arrangement;
• Sampling accessories;
• Operating procedures;
• Equipment calibration and maintenance.

7. After-Sales Service from Filterfine Vietnam

For microbial air sampling equipment, selecting the right device is only the first step. To ensure that the resulting data can support an environmental monitoring program, the equipment needs to be operated correctly, checked periodically, and maintained in an appropriate operating condition.

Filterfine Vietnam supports customers throughout the use of the ActiveCount100 with the following services:

Technical Consultation

Consultation on equipment selection, sampling methods, and configurations suitable for specific applications.

Operating Guidance

Support for customers in familiarizing themselves with the equipment, setting sampling volumes, and using the required functions.

After-Sales Technical Support

Receiving and supporting the resolution of issues that may arise during equipment operation.

Calibration and Maintenance

Supporting calibration planning, equipment inspection, and maintenance to help maintain stable operation.

Long-Term Support

Filterfine Vietnam aims to provide long-term technical solutions and support, rather than simply completing the equipment handover.

If your organization is looking for:

• Microbial air samplers;
• Active microbial air samplers;
• Cleanroom microbial air samplers;
• Microbial sampling equipment for hospitals;
• Environmental microbial monitoring equipment;
• Air sampling solutions based on a defined sampling volume;
• Lighthouse ActiveCount100 equipment;

Filterfine Vietnam can provide consultation on solutions that are suitable for the specific application and environmental monitoring procedures of each facility.

Contact Filterfine Vietnam for consultation on the ActiveCount100 and microbial air sampling solutions.