M-TRAP® Air Sampling Cassette
Collect airborne material for laboratory analysis of fungi and bacteria using Assured Bio’s molecular entrapment technology.
M-TRAP® works with compatible air sampling pumps for short-duration collection and with WhisperCare® for extended sampling. Select the laboratory assays that match your investigation’s objectives.
An Assured Bio patented product.
How M-TRAP® Works
An air sampling pump draws air through the cassette’s treated, three-dimensional fibrous substrate. Molecular entrapment technology combines the substrate’s surface area with adhesive proteins to retain airborne material.
After collection, the cassette is submitted to Assured Bio Labs. The laboratory extracts DNA from the collected material and uses targeted molecular assays to detect and quantify selected fungi or bacteria.
Pump compatibility
M-TRAP® connects to compatible air sampling pumps using 1/4-inch tubing. An adapter is required for the Zefon Bio-Pump. Confirm your pump configuration with the laboratory before sampling.
Extended sampling
M-TRAP® can also be used with WhisperCare® for longer collection periods under a project-specific sampling plan.
Fungal & Bacterial Molecular Analyses
Choose broad screening or targeted molecular testing for your M-TRAP® air samples. Some assays measure individual species; others measure groups of related organisms.
Fungal Analyses
Aspergillosis Assessment
A 12-target panel focused on Aspergillus fungi.
BIG 2
Detection and quantification of Stachybotrys chartarum and total Penicillium/Aspergillus. Add-on options include Chaetomium, or a combination of Chaetomium, Cladosporium, and Trichoderma.
CAP 2, 4, 8, and 14
Custom panels containing 2, 4, 8, or 14 selected fungal targets.
CAP-15 Health Assessment
A panel measuring 15 selected fungal targets.
HERTSMI-2
Five targets: Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium globosum, Stachybotrys chartarum, and Wallemia sebi.
Fungal Analyses — Continued
Pathogenic Fungal Panel
A panel measuring 12 selected fungal targets.
Pure Health–7
Seven assay targets: Stachybotrys chartarum, Chaetomium globosum, Trichoderma viride, total Penicillium/Aspergillus, Aspergillus versicolor, the A. fumigatus/Neosartorya fischeri group, and PenGrp2.
PenGrp2 includes Penicillium crustosum, P. camemberti, P. commune, P. echinulatum, and P. solitum.
SIAM — Species Identification of Airborne Molds
A 36-target fungal panel for M-TRAP® air samples.
Universal Fungi
M-TRAP® cassette analysis quantifying total fungal cells.
Bacterial Analyses
Escherichia coli
Targeted molecular analysis for Escherichia coli in the collected sample.
Staphylococcus aureus / MRSA
Targeted qPCR analysis for Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Universal Bacteria
Molecular analysis quantifying total bacterial material in the collected sample.
Collecting & Submitting M-TRAP® Samples
Standard Air Pump Sampling
Connect M-TRAP® to a compatible air sampling pump using 1/4-inch tubing and any required adapter. Set the flow rate to 15 liters per minute and collect for 10 minutes, yielding a sample volume of 150 liters.
Extended Sampling with WhisperCare®
WhisperCare® uses a different sampling configuration for extended collection. Contact the laboratory to establish the appropriate operating mode and sampling duration for your project.
Sample Documentation
Label each cassette and complete the Chain of Custody form. Record the sample location, collection date, flow rate, duration, and total air volume.
Laboratory Submission
Confirm packaging and shipping instructions with the laboratory. Include the completed Chain of Custody form and identify the analyses requested for each sample.
View forms and example reports or call 1-866-547-1727 for assistance.
Learn how to collect a sample.
Research & Resources
M-TRAP® was used to collect air samples for a published study of fungal and bacterial communities in homes with evaporative coolers and conventional air conditioning.
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 2017, 19, 101–110. PDF.
Submission Form:
To request information or receive an individual quote, contact Assured Bio today. Complete this form or call toll-free at 1-866-547-1727.