Methods and systems for capturing biological samples from a HEPA filter on an aircraft
A method for collecting an aircraft cabin representative biological sample from an aircraft HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter including collecting a used HEPA filter after flight, transferring the HEPA filter to a remote location, processing the HEPA filter in order to remove an air sample, and concentrating the collected sample to be used on a pathogen identifying tester.
1. A method for collecting a representative sample from an aircraft HEPA filter comprising:
collecting a used HEPA filter after flight;
transferring the HEPA filter to a remote location;
processing the HEPA filter in order to remove an air sample; and
concentrating the collected sample to be used on a pathogen identifying test, such as a PCR tester.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the HEPA filter is afterwards washed and made available for aircraft retrofit.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein from where the samples are removed by inverted flow.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the samples are removed using centrifugal wash.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the centrifugal wash uses a sterile buffer.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the HEPA filter is configured and adapted to clean air flowing through a recirculation flow path.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing includes removing the sample from the HEPA filter with a handheld tool.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the tool includes a sponge.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the sponge is dragged across the HEPA filter in order to collect the sample.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the sponge is processed through a pathogen identifying test.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the sponge is processed through a centrifugal wash to concentrate the collected sample.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing a portion of the HEPA filter.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the portion is a flexible strip.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising replacing the flexible strip with a new strip prior to the next flight.
15. A system for collecting a representative sample from an aircraft HEPA filter comprising:
a HEPA filter positioned in a recirculation flow path of an aircraft configured to collect flow path air; and
at least one removable strip attached to the HEPA filter for removing after each flight.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the removable strip is flexible.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the HEPA filter is accessible from inside the aircraft.
18. A system for collecting a representative sample from an aircraft HEPA filter comprising:
a HEPA filter positioned in a recirculation flow path of an aircraft configured to collect flow path air; and
a handheld wand for scrubbing a portion of the HEPA filter and removing a sample.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the handheld wand includes a sponge on at least a first end thereof.