A comparison of pollen recovery by three models of the Rotorod sampler

Abstract

Background: During the past 15 years, three models of the Rotorod Sampler have been manufactured for aeroallergen sampling. Although several studies have considered pollen recovery by specific Rotorod models, none explored inter-model sampling differences.

Objective: The purpose of this present investigation was to compare pollen recovery by three Rotorod models that are widely used by allergists.

Methods: Two Model 85s, two Model 95s, and two Model 40s were installed 1.5 m above the flat rooftop of a surburban 3-story office building. Fifty atmospheric samples collected between June and August 1996 were analyzed according to the standard conventions suggested by the manufacturer. Differences in pollen recovery were evaluated using an analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple range test.

Results: Pollen counts ranged from 7.4 to 406.8 pollen grains per cubic meter of air. Differences in pollen recovery by the six devices were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Pollen counts obtained with three models of the Rotorod Sampler were generally similar and could be compared directly. This study demonstrated continuity in the performance of the Rotorod Sampler over successive generations of the device.