--- title: BioAerosol Monitoring System | AnalytiChem UK (Formerly Cherwell) description: BAMS airborne particle counter to detect both inert and microbial particles in real-time. The first truly portable continuous, real-time microbial monitor image: https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/optimised/cherwell-banner-p-1080-min.jpeg --- [![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=7907&height=1706&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/) [![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=7907&height=1706&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/) [![50th Logo Cherwell logo final](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/50th%20Logo%20Cherwell%20logo%20final.svg "50th Logo Cherwell logo final")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/50-years-of-cherwell) Search # BAMS BioAerosol Monitoring System ### The first truly portable continuous, real-time microbial monitor. BAMS is an airborne particle counter used to detect both inert and microbial particles in real-time [Request A Quote](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/contact-us) [![bams-video-image](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BAMS/bams-video-image.png?width=453&name=bams-video-image.png "bams-video-image")](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/6SkbSHBKvnmRFBELfPLLJS?) #### MONITORING AIRBORNE MICROBES IN REAL-TIME ## BAMS was designed to meet exacting, pharmaceutical manufacturing standards while providing real-time data for immediate action and catastrophic loss avoidance The BioAerosol Monitoring System (BAMS) is an airborne particle counter used to detect both inert and microbial particles in real-time. The first truly portable continuous, real-time microbial monitor, that uses Laser-Induced Fluorescence to differentiate biologic from inert particles, with viable particles emitting fluorescence. #### Key benefits of BAMS ## What makes the Bio-Aerosol Monitoring System an essential part of your Environmental Monitoring programme? ![Continuous](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Continuous.svg "Continuous") #### Continuous Real-time, continuous airborne microbial monitor ![Immediate](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Immediate.svg "Immediate") #### Immediate Certified ISO particle detector ![Efficient](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Efficient.svg "Efficient") #### efficient & Effective First truly portable, user-oriented microbial monitor with no consumables ![Root Cause](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Root%20Cause.svg "Root Cause") #### Root Cause A uniquely effective diagnostic tool, BAMS can instantaneously help detect excursions and help identify the root cause. ![Trends](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Trends.svg "Trends") #### Trends Given delays and time lapses inherent to compendial testing methods, trend analysis is all but prohibited. BAMS changes that. ![Alerts](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Alerts.svg "Alerts") #### Alerts BAMS provides real-time continuous data to help with the root cause identification of contamination. Delivering alerts in-time to reduce the risk of product loss. ![Process & Training](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Process%20%26%20Training.svg "Process & Training") #### Process & Training BAMS real-time results are a perfect training aid to drive immediate technique correction and process improvement. ![Sterility Test Isolators](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Sterility%20Test%20Isolators.svg "Sterility Test Isolators") #### Sterility Test Isolators BAMS enables enhanced coordination and control of sterility test isolators. ![Fill Line Quality](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/Fill%20Line%20Quality.svg "Fill Line Quality") #### Fill Line Quality BAMS continuous monitoring helps to ensure the cleanliness of this crucial quality environment. #### Learn more about BAMS ## Discover more about the innovative Bio-Aerosol Monitoring System - [Download BAMS Brochure](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/BAMS/BAMS%20Product%20Brochure.pdf) - [BAMS Market Comparison Review](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/BAMS/BAMS%20Market%20Comparison%20Review.pdf) - [How BAMS Supports Annex 1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/BAMS/BAMS%20Annex%201.pdf) [![Let's discuss your requirements](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/7780b07e-cdc7-43f0-a8e1-56e01e961c64.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/7780b07e-cdc7-43f0-a8e1-56e01e961c64) ![cherwell-EM-guide](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/EM%20Guide/cherwell-EM-guide.jpg?width=1920&name=cherwell-EM-guide.jpg "cherwell-EM-guide") ## NEW! Revised Environmental Monitoring Process and Validation Guide How are you going to meet the challenge of the new EU GMP Annex 1? Our revised and updated guide helps highlight decisions and actions to ensure you remain compliant. [![Download Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/55ede882-c6e8-4003-ae5a-e3fdb4316f9e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/55ede882-c6e8-4003-ae5a-e3fdb4316f9e) #### FEATURES OF BIOAEROSOL MONITORING SYSTEM #### Wait Time vs Real Time ** Current airborne microbial monitoring uses interval, ad-hoc and event-driven sample collections, which require incubation, taking 1-7 days to generate test results, delaying and, at best, inhibiting, contamination root cause identification. The current monitoring process also requires managing complex collection and manual growth examination schedules for thousands of air samples per month. #### Increased Control ** BAMS was designed to meet exacting, pharmaceutical manufacturing standards while providing real-time data for immediate action and catastrophic loss avoidance. It is designed for end-users and is small light and easy to use.  Making BAMS the first truly portable continuous, real-time microbial monitor. #### Optical Sensor Technology ** BAMS principle of operation is the simultaneous measurement of an individual particle’s size and its ultraviolet (UV) induced intrinsic fluorescence signal.   Particle sizing is possible through the widely utilised principle of Mie scattering.   Simultaneously, the instrument detects the presence or absence of the intrinsic fluorescence of certain metabolites that indicate biologic activity. #### ANALYTICHEM UK SUPPLIES PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO THE PHARMACEUTICAL AND RELATED INDUSTRIES ## A few societies and associations we are members and sponsors of [![1_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/1_1.jpg) ](http://www.gambica.org.uk/) [![sc-logo-grey-2](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/sc-logo-grey-2.png) ](https://societyforcontaminationcontrol.org/) [![8_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/8_1.jpg) ](https://www.cleanrooms-ireland.ie/) [![5_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/5_1.jpg) ](https://phss.co.uk/) [![6_1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/logos/6_1.jpg) ](https://www.pharmig.org.uk/en/) [![pda-logo](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/ST_Live_Site_Files/pda-logo.jpg) ](http://www.pda.org/pda-europe/home/) #### NEED SOMETHING ELSE? ## Browse our products and services catalogue [ #### **SAS HAND HALD MICROBIAL SAMPLERS ** Environmental monitoring instruments for higher grade cleanrooms and isolators ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hand-held-microbial-air-samplers) [ #### **SAS Isolator Sampling ** Isolator cabinet and filling line monitoring, these specialist samplers monitor grade A environments ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/sas-isolator-sampling) [ #### **Gamma Irradiated Media ** Range of irradiated settle plates, contact plates, Petri dishes and barrier packs ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/irradiated-media) [ #### **prepared media accessories ** Settle plate stands, contact plate carriers, Rodac-Weight surface sampler and more ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/prepared-media-accessories) [ #### **microbial air sampler accessories ** Disposable sampler heads, SAS sampler stands and tripods ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/microbial-air-sampler-accessories) [ #### **microbial air sampler calibration service ** Calibration services for all models of SAS air samplers ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/air-sampler-calibration-service) #### FREQUENTLY ## Asked Questions How much air should we sample? Typical requirements suggest 1,000 litres per air sample in high risk areas, such as: grade A filling lines, grade B clean rooms, operating theatres etc. As the criticality of the area reduces, the sample size can be reduced. The aim is to achieve a representative sample; so where higher counts would be expected, a smaller sample produces a more realistic number of cfu to count. Should I use contact plates or Petri dishes for environmental air monitoring? SAS samplers were originally designed for Contact plates, however, a Petri dish option has been available for a number of years. It is really a personal choice, although this should be decided at time of purchase, as the sampler will be specifically configured for the plate type chosen. There are advantages for each version and we would be happy to discuss your specific needs. Can I autoclave my SAS sampler? No, do not put your SAS sampler in a steam autoclave. The only part that can be autoclaved is the drilled head. The unit can be wiped with alcohol wipes to decontaminate it. The only other exception is the SAS Pinocchio, parts of which can be autoclaved. How frequently should my SAS air sampler be calibrated? AnalytiChem recommends every 12 months and we will send a reminder for the month it is due. For some situations local procedures demand more frequent recalibrations so Analytichem is happy to offer tailored recalibration date labelling and reminders on request. Why might I want gamma irradiated media? The sterility of the packaged medium is assured and all but the outer layer of packaging is also sterile. Thus the risk to the environment to be sampled is greatly reduced. There is an additional benefit that the additional packaging and process extends the room temperature shelf life. This can be sufficient reason for small or irregular users to prefer irradiated. What is the maximum exposure time for settle plates? Settle plates are used to monitor the level of viable particles in the environment through a process of passive air sampling. A viable particle settles on agar plates at a rate dependent on its characteristics and the airflow in the environment. EU GMP Guide Annex 1 has recommended that 90mm settle plates can be exposed in cleanroom environments for up to 4 hours. However, agar plates may dry out during long exposures where the rate of air exchange is high. So, it might be necessary to use deep filled settle plates, or replace the settle plate after a shorter time to ensure satisfactory growth promotion after exposure. Is it OK to store prepared media in the fridge? The storage condition for the majority of our prepared media is Ambient not exceeding 25ºC, the exception being a couple of very specialist products. We have never specified storage in a fridge for our general media as this causes excessive condensation and can result in a very wet agar surface. This makes the product impossible to use. What is the difference between general purpose and selective growth media? General purpose media have nutrients that support the growth of most non fastidious culturable microorganisms. Selective growth media contain components that will inhibit the growth of some types of microorganisms, while supporting the growth of others. General purpose media, such as Tryptone Soya Agar, are used to produce total counts. While selective media, such as XLD for Salmonella species, are used to test presence/absence of specific types of microorganism. #### ANALYTICHEM UK IS DIFFERENT ## Supplying products is only the start ![cherwell-icon-17-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/cherwell-icon-17-1.svg "cherwell-icon-17-1") #### The best products prepared for you Our Redipor® media products are batch tested, QC certified and delivered when you need them ![cubes](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/cubes.svg "cubes") #### Bespoke accessories and services We provide additional equipment or services to make your environmental monitoring more effective ![cherwell-icon-35-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/icons/cherwell-icon-35-1.svg "cherwell-icon-35-1") #### Best customer service We build long-standing client relationships on understanding, commitment and trust ![Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketplace/Cherwell%20Labs/imgs/optimised/Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min.png?width=800&name=Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min.png "Pocket-Guide-to-Prepared-Culture-Media-p-800-min") #### GET OUR POCKET GUIDE ## The Pharmaceutical and Cleanroom Industry's Guide to Prepared Culture Media A guide to understanding the logistics, best practices and breadth of available prepared media options for varying applications.   [![Download Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2885977/16a156a8-620f-436f-83d0-b7b1922de9a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2885977/16a156a8-620f-436f-83d0-b7b1922de9a4) #### What's next #### Recent news [![Specialist products for boosting microbial EM protocol reliability spotlighted by AnalytiChem UK at Pharmig 2025](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redipor%20TwistLock%20Contact%20Plates%20with%20GS1%20DataMatrix%20Codes.png?width=50&height=50&name=Redipor%20TwistLock%20Contact%20Plates%20with%20GS1%20DataMatrix%20Codes.png) **Specialist products for boosting microbial EM protocol reliability spotlighted by AnalytiChem UK at Pharmig 2025** 10 November 2025 ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/cherwell-labs-post/analytichem-uk-highlight-specialist-em-products-pharmig-2025-annual-conference) [![New AnalytiChem UK appointment strengthens customer focus and growth strategy](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Tom%20Pickford%20AnalytiChem%20UK%20Business%20Development%20Manager%20Midlands.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=Tom%20Pickford%20AnalytiChem%20UK%20Business%20Development%20Manager%20Midlands.jpg) **New AnalytiChem UK appointment strengthens customer focus and growth strategy** 20 October 2025 ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/cherwell-labs-post/new-analytichem-uk-appointment-strengthens-customer-focus-and-growth-strategy) #### Subscribe Receive the latest articles as they are published. #### Contact us Registered Office 7 & 8 Launton Business Centre, Murdock Road, Bicester, OX26 4XB **Phone** Tel: +44 (0) 1869 355 500 **Email** [sales.uk@analytichem.com](mailto:sales.uk@analytichem.com)    ![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=2000&height=431&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB") ![BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px.png?width=130&height=77&name=BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px.png "BSI-ISO-9001-Certified-50px") AnalytiChem UK ©2025 (Formerly Cherwell) Reg. in England No: 01159518 VAT Reg. 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