Alternative and rapid micro methods (ARMM): Practical applications of bio-fluorescent particle counting in Environmental Monitoring investigations

Investigations into environmental monitoring (EM) excursions can be lengthy and may not result in clear root causes, or corrective and preventative actions. However, bio-fluorescent particle counting (BFPC), a rapid microbiological method for monitoring airborne microbes, can be used in these studies to eliminate the inherent delays of culture-based methods.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of guidance on how BFPC can be used to provide real-time detection of viable microorganisms in air samples.

This is why BioPhorum has written Practical applications of bio-fluorescent particle counting in environmental monitoring investigations. It includes recommendations that allow facilities manufacturing aseptic products to move towards real-time microbiological EM.

It also advises on how to use BFPC, a case study of where it quickly identified the source of a mold excursion, and examples of the benefits of using BFPC, e.g. an annual saving of $176k by reducing unnecessary and hazardous sporicidal treatments.

“There is a clear business case for direct detection methods for investigations and it is pleasing to see their use is becoming established in the industry,” said Aditya Prasad, Quality Control Manager at AstraZeneca, and lead author of the paper.