Your Questions Answered by the Experts at Airmid Healthgroup
Written by Oliver Dsa, MSc, senior virologist at Airmid Healthgroup, where he leads testing and research on airborne pathogens, indoor air quality, and antiviral technologies in real-world environments.
As the world’s leading authority in indoor aerobiology, Airmid Healthgroup offers specialized testing under ISO 16000-36:2018, the international standard for evaluating the reduction rate of culturable airborne bacteria using air purifiers in a test chamber. Below, we answer some of the most common questions manufacturers, regulators, and innovators ask about this method.
What is ISO 16000-36:2018?
ISO 16000-36:2018 is part of the ISO 16000 series on indoor air quality. This specific part outlines a standardized method to measure how effectively an air purifier reduces culturable airborne bacteria in a controlled chamber test. It provides a reproducible scientific protocol that can be used to compare performance across products or validate efficacy claims.
Why is this standard important for air purifier manufacturers?
This standard is increasingly recognized by regulators, consumers, and procurement professionals as a reliable benchmark for antimicrobial performance. Testing to ISO 16000-36:2018 enables manufacturers to:
- Substantiate product claims related to bacterial removal
- Benchmark product performance against competitors
- Improve internal R&D processes
- Support third-party certifications and marketing materials
What kind of bacteria are used in ISO 16000-36 testing?
The standard typically uses Staphylococcus epidermidis, a non-pathogenic, culturable airborne bacterium, as a surrogate organism. It’s representative of bacteria commonly found in indoor environments, making it suitable for simulating real-world microbial contamination.
How is the test conducted?
The test is performed in a controlled bioaerosol chamber where:
- A known concentration of airborne S. epidermidis is introduced.
- The air cleaner is operated under specified conditions.
- Air samples are taken at set time intervals.
- The bacterial reduction rate is calculated based on culturable counts over time.
What type of data or report will I receive?
Airmid Healthgroup provides a comprehensive test report that includes:
- Details of the test setup and conditions
- Time-stamped sampling data
- Graphs showing reduction trends
- Reduction rate calculations in compliance with ISO 16000-36:2018
- Expert interpretation from our microbiology and aerobiology teamsThis report can be used for internal validation, investor due diligence, or public claims, depending on your needs.
Can this test be combined with virus or allergen testing?
Yes. Many clients choose to bundle ISO 16000-36 testing with other bioaerosol efficacy protocols, including:
- ASHRAE 241 for infection risk mitigation
- ASHRAE 185.1 for UV systems
- Custom protocols using viruses, allergens, or mold spores
Our scientists can advise on the best test strategy for your product and target market.
Is Airmid Healthgroup accredited to conduct this testing?
Yes. We operate under GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and are globally recognized for airborne pathogen and allergen testing.
Our indoor environmental chambers are uniquely designed to support ISO 16000-36:2018 testing at the highest level of scientific rigour.
How long does the testing process take?
Timelines vary depending on project scope and capacity, but a typical ISO 16000-36 test project can be completed in 4–6 weeks from initiation to final report. Expedited timelines may be available on request.
How do I get started?
Simply contact our team to discuss your product and testing objectives. We’ll provide a custom proposal and walk you through the process—from chamber setup to report delivery.
Related Services
ISO 16000-36:2018
Custom Bioaerosol Protocols for Air Disinfection Devices
Related Blogs or News
The Power of UV-C: Disinfecting and Reusing N95 Respirators, by Dr. Matt Hardwick
Understanding Influenza and Its Impact on Public Health, by Oliver Dsa MSc
Related Case Studies
Air Sniper: Bioaerosol Efficacy Testing for Commercial UV-C Air Disinfection Units
Want to learn more about how ISO 16000-36 fits into a broader product validation strategy?
Oliver Dsa, MSc, is a senior scientist at Airmid Healthgroup and a leading specialist in environmental virology and the transmission dynamics of airborne pathogens. With extensive experience in high-containment laboratory research and virological assay development, Oliver plays a central role in the design and execution of GLP-compliant studies that evaluate the real-world performance of antimicrobial, antiviral, and air purification technologies.
At Airmid Healthgroup, Oliver’s work supports global manufacturers, healthcare innovators, and regulatory teams by generating scientifically robust data that withstands scrutiny from FDA, EPA, ISO, and CE marking bodies. He is deeply engaged in testing solutions for infection prevention across healthcare, residential, commercial, and transport environments.
Through his contributions to Airmid’s blog, Oliver translates complex virology and bioaerosol science into actionable insights.
His writing supports product developers, indoor air quality experts, and public health professionals in navigating the fast-evolving intersection of airborne disease control, ventilation standards (including ASHRAE 241), and surface decontamination strategies.
In his blog contributions, Oliver breaks down complex scientific issues—ranging from airborne pathogens to surface decontamination and beyond—into clear, actionable insights for professionals in healthcare, building science, consumer product development, and public health.
