Evaluating Composite Sampling Methods of Bacillus Spores at Low Concentrations

摘要: Restoring all facility operations after the 2001 Amerithrax attacks took years to complete, highlighting need reduce remediation time. Some of most time intensive tasks were environmental sampling and sample analyses. Composite allows disparate samples be combined, with only a single analysis needed, making it promising method response times. We developed statistical experimental design test three different composite methods: 1) medium pass (SM-SPC): cellulose sponge multiple coupons across each coupon; 2) multi-pass composite: passes coupon (SM-MPC); 3) multi-medium post-sample (MM-MPC): surface, then sponges are combined during extraction. Five spore concentrations Bacillus atrophaeus Nakamura spores tested; ranged from 5 100 CFU/coupon (0.00775 0.155 CFU/cm2). Study variables included four clean surface materials (stainless steel, vinyl tile, ceramic painted dry wallboard) grime coated/dirty tile). Analysis variance for study showed two significant factors: (p< 0.0001) material (p = 0.0006). Recovery efficiency (RE) was higher overall using MM-MPC compared SM-SPC SM-MPC methods. RE tested (10 CFU/coupon) similar wall, stainless steel materials. lowest tile both Statistical tests dirty significantly materials, but lower tile. These results suggest compositing can used when responding anthracis contamination event or surfaces.