AirTrap XL vs. Air-O-Cell: Spore Traps Compared

Two slit-impaction spore-trap cassettes for 15 l/min pumps, compared on what matters in the lab and in the report. Where a value depends on a data sheet or a study, the source is linked; where we have no verified figure, we say so.

Order the complete set · Request a sample cassette or advice

At a glance

Sampling principle: both are slit-impaction spore traps – air is drawn through a slit and particles impact on a gel-coated slide, read by microscopy (the principle described in DIN ISO 16000-20).
Flow rate and volume: both are designed for 15 l/min; AirTrap XL is run for 5 minutes (75 litres).
Particle range (AirTrap XL): 2 µm to 200+ µm.
Side-by-side study: Environmental Analysis Associates (EAA, Bay City MI) sampled AirTrap XL, AirTrap Mini and Air-O-Cell in parallel – 10 comparisons on two dates, 5 minutes at 15 l/min each. On that limited data set the report calls the three devices statistically equivalent; AirTrap XL showed a roughly 20 % higher collection trend for mould spores in the second sample set and a narrower, more uniform deposit trace (about 95 % of the collected particles). The authors mark the data as preliminary – read the study (PDF, EN/DE).
Housing: AirTrap XL uses a polypropylene housing with integrated caps and up to 46 % less plastic than comparable cassettes.
Analysis included: every AirTrap XL pack sold here includes the Sporecyte lab analysis and a report per cassette; the slide can also be read by any total-spore-count lab.
Cost per sample: the AirTrap XL pack price includes the Sporecyte analysis and the prepaid return envelope; refill packs lower the cost per sample – current prices in the shop.
Collection efficiency and cut-off (d50): figures for both cassettes will be published here once the data sheets have been verified.

Values, not traffic lights

The report gives spores/m³ per genus against an outdoor reference, the sampling parameters and images from the slide. The summary indicator is for your client; the numbers are what you cite. How to read it: Understanding your mould lab report.

Where the comparison matters

Clearance measurement after remediation: repeatable volume and a documented method, job after job – standards and clearance.
Triage across a portfolio: one protocol, comparable numbers, predictable cost per sample – how it works.
Evidence in disputes: a dated, documented sample with the method on record – the documented chain from cassette to report.

Analysis and lab

Every AirTrap XL slide is analysed with Sporecyte at Apacor's mould lab in the UK; a specialist reviews every result before the report is issued.

Questions

Does AirTrap XL fit my pump? Any 15 l/min air sampling pump; Sporecyte, Zefon IAQ 15 Connect, Bio-Pump Plus and Z-Lite are verified compatible.
How long do cassettes keep? Sealed, dry, at room temperature until you need them; check the expiry date on the pack.
Is the lab analysis included? Yes – every pack includes one Sporecyte report per cassette and the prepaid return envelope.
How do the samples get to the lab? Register them in the online return form and post the cassettes in the prepaid envelope – see Sending your samples back.
Volume pricing? On request via the contact form.