Mattson-Garvin Model 200 Slit-to-Agar Vacuum Air Sampler Rotating Media

Mattson-Garvin Model 200 Slit-to-Agar Vacuum Air Sampler Rotating Media

The Mattson-Garvin Model 200 is a microbiological rotating slit-to-agar vacuum air sampler designed for viable airborne particle collection. It draws air through a precision 0.152 mm slit at 1 cubic foot per minute and impinges particles directly onto an agar surface positioned 2–3 mm below the slit, eliminating the dilution and plating steps required by other methods. Results are expressed as viable particles per unit volume of air, and a time-concentration relationship can be established over the full sampling period.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Mattson-Garvin Co., 226 Candace Dr., Maitland, FL
• Model: 200
• Power: 120V AC, 60 Hz
• Airflow rate: 1 cubic foot per minute (CFM)
• Slit width: 0.152 mm
• Agar-to-slit distance: 2–3 mm
• Culture plate compatibility: 150 mm × 15 mm standard disposable plates
• Rotation cycle: 60 minutes via synchronous drive motor
• Timer: Minuty Manual Timer, Type STMN (dial-type, front panel)
• Controls: On/Off toggle switch with lighted orange On indicator
• Flow meter: SCFH air rotameter on front panel (0–100 scale)
• Sample chamber: transparent Lexan leak-tight dome enclosure
• Rotating media platform: three-arm synchronous drive assembly
• Built-in vacuum pump
• Includes: Pall Ultipor N66 0.2-micron disposable filter assembly (DFA Assembly, DF04001NAEV), working pressure liquid 75 PSIG / gas 50 PSIG, temp range +32°F to +100°F
• Includes: attached power cord with NEMA 5-15P plug
• Housing: painted steel, mint green, benchtop form factor

Applications

The slit-to-agar impaction method is the established technique for real-time microbiological air monitoring in controlled and critical environments. Unlike cascade impactors or liquid impingers, this design continuously rotates the agar plate beneath the slit during the sampling period, distributing impingement across the plate surface and providing a time-concentration profile of viable airborne organisms over the full cycle — useful for detecting peaks and transient contamination events. After sampling, the plate is incubated and colonies counted directly, with no further sample preparation. This type of sampler is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and aseptic fill areas (per USP and ISO cleanroom monitoring protocols), hospital and operating room environmental monitoring, food and beverage processing QC, animal research facilities, filter and cleanroom efficiency validation, and general indoor air quality microbiology studies. The Mattson-Garvin design dates from the mid-to-late twentieth century and became a reference instrument in industrial microbiology and environmental monitoring laboratories.