SMA Atriums

A Sterilizable Microbial Atrium (SMA) is a 316L Stainless Steel capture device that is connected to a controlled vacuum source, such as the SMA OneTouch ICS. Air is directed from the environment to impact onto a media plate contained inside of the Atrium.

SMA Atriums® are Stainless Steel collection devices that connect to the SMA OneTouch® Integrated Control System (ICS), SMA® Digital Display Control Center (DDC), or SMA MicroPortable® Air Sampler. When partnered with one of these viable monitoring instruments the SMA Atriums direct air from the environment to impact onto a media plate. The media plate is then evaluated to determine the amount of viable contamination in the environment. 

SMA Atriums are available in multiple configurations, including a wall mountable configuration with a specifically designed bracket and Atrium base. The SMA Atrium Easy2GripTM top has a concave edge designed to make the Atrium easy to handle.

SMA Remote Atrium

In addition to the SMA Atrium, VAI offers the SMA® Remote Atrium. SMA Remote Atriums are designed to sample in places where the use of the standard SMA Atrium® is either impractical due to size and space limitations, or the actual procedure of replacing the media plate would interfere with the manufacturing process. The SMA Remote Atrium extension tube attaches to ¼ inch Hytrel® tubing.

SMA Remote Atriums can be used with VAI’s Isokinetic Probe which provides a secure attachment point near the point of sample and improves air flow efficiency. The Isokinetic Probe and tubing can be located near critical filling processes where space is limited.

Features and Benefits SMA Atrium

• Easily connected to SMA Viable Monitoring Equipment
• Constructed of 316L Stainless Steel.
• Completely sterilized by steam, heat, or ethylene oxide (ETO).
• Used with standard media plates (90 or 100 mm) with 18, 25, or 32 mL fill levels.
• Available with 1/4 or 1/2 inch sieve diameters.
• Requires a vacuum source to operate.
• Operate at an air flow of 1 CFM (28.3 LPM).
• Compact size allows the SMA Atriums to be located near critical filling processes where space is limited.
• Non-turbulent design causes no disruption in unidirectional air flow, which allows placement in the most critical areas (e.g. RABS).
• Available with a concave, Easy2Grip design.

Features and Benefits SMA Remote Atrium

Selecting an SMA Atrium

It is critical to determine the desired sample time and plate exposure period. Extended periods of active sampling can cause desiccation and dehydration of the media plate, resulting in poor or no growth of microorganisms that may have been present in the air sample. The SMA Atrium allows for continuous, active sampling for up to 3 hours (or more), depending on the media plate fill level and selected Atrium top.