ABSTRACT
The atmosphere contains a variety of bioaerosols, many of which can affect human health. A variety of sampling and analysis methods are available to provide information to the allergist and the patient on the composition of the outdoor atmosphere or indoor air. Traditional methods of air sampling include gravity, impaction, and filtration. The most widely used devices are impaction samplers with microscopy and culturing the most common methods of analysis. This chapter reviews the traditional sampling instruments and analysis methods used by the allergy community and explores modern approaches to air sampling. Recent advances in molecular detection and in automated real-time sampling have provided techniques to enhance aeroallergen analysis.
