An Air-O-Cell is a commonly used spore-trap cassette for collecting airborne particles.
A calibrated sampling pump draws a measured volume of air through the cassette. Airborne particles impact onto a collection surface inside the cassette, which is then examined microscopically by the laboratory.
The laboratory can identify and quantify various fungal spore categories along with certain other airborne particulates.
Results are commonly reported as spores per cubic meter of air.
Air-O-Cell sampling provides a snapshot of airborne conditions during the sampling period and is most useful when interpreted alongside outdoor reference samples, visual observations, moisture conditions, and other information about the building.