At what temperature should TSA be incubated for Active (Viable) Air Sampling?

The correct incubation temperature for TSA (Tryptic Soy Agar) during Active (Viable) Air Sampling is typically set between 30-35 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is optimal for the growth of a wide variety of aerobic microorganisms found in the air, including bacteria and fungi.

Incubating TSA at this temperature promotes more accurate detection and quantification of these microorganisms, as it mimics more closely the natural environmental conditions in which many of these organisms thrive. This is particularly important in sterile compounding environments, where understanding microbial contamination levels is critical for ensuring patient safety.

The other temperature ranges provided in the options either exceed the preferred growth conditions for many common airborne microorganisms or fall below optimal levels, which can lead to less reliable sampling results.