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NIOSH Bioaerosol Cyclone TE-BC251 Two-Stage Personal Sampler
The TE-BC251 is a wearable, two-stage bioaerosol cyclone developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and manufactured by Tisch Environmental. This personal sampler captures airborne viruses including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other bioaerosols for occupational health studies, environmental monitoring, and infectious disease research.
Multi-Stage Collection Design
The TE-BC251 utilizes cyclonic separation to fractionate bioaerosols into three distinct size ranges across multiple collection compartments. The multi stage cyclone is designed to trap bio-aerosols in one of three compartments for accurate retrieval of samples at multiple cut points. The first tube (T1) collects particles greater than 1.8 µm, the second tube (T2) captures particles between 1.0-1.8 µm, and the backup filter collects submicron particles less than 1.0 µm.
Key Specifications
- Flow Rate: 3.5 L/min (standard operating rate)
- Collection Method: Two-stage cyclonic separation plus final filter
- Size Fractionation: Three size ranges (>1.8 µm, 1.0-1.8 µm, <1.0 µm)
- Power Requirements: Compatible with standard personal air sampling pumps
- Design: Wearable, lightweight construction for personal monitoring
ACGIH/ISO Compliance
At 3.5 l/min, the BC 251 conforms to the ACGIH/ISO criterion for separation of respirable and non-respirable airborne particles, which is widely used in health-related aerosol measurements. This standardized flow rate ensures consistent, comparable results across different sampling environments and applications.
Compatibility and Setup
The sampler can be operated with commercially-available personal air sampling pumps. Connection is made via vinyl tubing and Luer fitting to the top of the filter cassette. For field deployment, the TE-BC251 can be paired with an optional backpack system to carry both sampler and pump, or mounted on a tripod stand for stationary sampling.
Complete Sampling Kit
Each TE-BC251 package includes:
- BC251 cyclone sampler body
- Heavy-duty carrying case
- 2 Falcon™ 15 mL conical centrifuge tubes
- 2 Fisherbrand™ microcentrifuge tubes (without caps)
- 2 Fisherbrand™ colored screw caps
- O-ring grease jar
- 10 EPDM O-rings (TE-BC251-5, 1/16" width, dash 027)
- Filter cassette
Applications
The BC 251 has been successfully used to collect airborne influenza virus in healthcare facilities and from the coughs of influenza patients. Primary applications include:
- Healthcare facility bioaerosol monitoring
- Occupational exposure assessment in clinical settings
- Environmental surveillance for airborne pathogens
- Respiratory aerosol research and characterization
- Infectious disease transmission studies
- Personal exposure monitoring for healthcare workers
Maintenance Notes
Replace O-rings (TE-BC251-5) as needed to maintain proper sealing between sampler components. Clean collection tubes and filter cassettes between sampling periods following standard laboratory decontamination procedures. Apply O-ring grease during assembly to ensure leak-free operation at specified flow rates.