title: Relative precision of inhaler aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) metrics by full resolution and abbreviated andersen cascade impactors (ACIs): part 2--investigation of bias in extra-fine mass fraction with AIM-HRT impactor.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to resolve an anomalously high measure of extra-fine particle fraction (EPF) determined by the abbreviated cascade impactor possibly relevant for human respiratory tract (AIM-HRT) in the experiment described in Part 1 of this two-part series, in which the relative precision of abbreviated impactors was evaluated in comparison with a full resolution Andersen eight-stage cascade impactor (ACI). Evidence that the surface coating used to mitigate particle bounce was laterally displaced by the flow emerging from the jets of the lower stage was apparent upon microscopic examination of the associated collection plate of the AIM-HRT impactor whose cut point size defines EPF. A filter soaked in surfactant was floated on top of this collection plate, and further measurements were made using the same pressurized metered-dose inhaler-based formulation and following the same procedure as in Part 1. Measures of EPF, fine particle, and coarse particle fractions were comparable with those obtained with the ACI, indicating that the cause of the bias had been identified and removed. When working with abbreviated impactors, this precaution is advised whenever there is evidence that surface coating displacement has occurred, a task that can be readily accomplished by microscopic inspection of all collection plates after allowing the impactor to sample ambient air for a few minutes.
authors.affiliation: Trudell Medical International, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Jolyon P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Nagel
authors.forename: Cathy C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: Rubina S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Valentina I
authors.initials: VI
authors.lastname: Avvakoumova
authors.forename: J David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Christopher
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quiroz
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Strickland
authors.forename: Terrence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tougas
authors.forename: Svetlana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lyapustina
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000295:instrumentation*; D058995:Dry Powder Inhalers; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010316:Particle Size; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D019141:Respiratory System Agents