The Via-Cell sampler has been evaluated in commercial and university laboratories to determine the collection efficiency and operational aspects of the collector. With impactor-type samplers, the most common measure of efficiency is defined by it’s “cut-point” curve. The cut-point (also referred to as the “D-50” point) is defined by the particle size at which 50% of the particles are collected and 50% pass through the sampler at a pre-determined flow rate. The ‘cut point’ for the Via-Cell Sampler has been determined to be 1.56 microns at a flow rate of 15 LPM. This cut point is ideal for fungal analysis because particles smaller than this are not of interest, and may even create enough background debris to obscure adequate viewing of the sample and compromising reliable analysis. 
The graph above displays the collection efficiency of the Via-Cell sampler when used at a flow rate of 15LPM. Samplers that are designed properly will exhibit upper and lower curve limits that are very sharp and in an ideal situation, a sampler will reach 100% efficiency almost immediately after the cut-point. The Via-Cell dem- onstrates a remarkably sharp curve that is superior to many other devices on the market today.
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