Particle counters – a small change that could have a huge impact on your controlled-environment efficiencies

East Anglian contamination control specialists Guardtech urging applications across Life Sciences, High-Tech Engineering and Healthcare to consider positive effects continuous monitoring can have for on-going cleanroom performance as well as operational success

While airborne particle monitoring has long been associated with meeting ISO 14644-1 and GMP requirements, modern particle-counting technology is increasingly helping Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing organisations optimise performance, reduce downtime and make better-informed decisions.

Particle counters provide real-time visibility of airborne contamination, helping teams identify problems before they result in rejected batches, investigations, additional cleaning or lost production time.

Regular or continuous monitoring can also reveal how door openings, material transfers, maintenance and personnel movement affect particulate levels. Facilities can use this data to improve working practices without compromising productivity.

“We need to change the narrative when it comes to particle counting,” says Guardtech Service Manager John Merrill. “It shouldn’t just be about meeting standards or ticking boxes. This technology can improve controlled-environment performance, resulting in better yields, greater efficiency and more successful operations.”

Particle counting also supports commissioning, maintenance and HVAC optimisation, helping managers assess filtration performance, identify deteriorating HEPA filters and understand how airflow changes affect cleanliness.

Guardtech installed continuous particle monitoring at GKN Aerospace’s 1,650sqm East Cowes facility. Connected to a GT Scan Pro Environmental Monitoring System, it measures particle levels alongside temperature, humidity and pressure.

At the University of Sheffield’s 400sqm Grade C Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre, Guardtech provided a GT Scan Max EU GMP Annex 11-compliant system incorporating viable air sampling.

Portable instruments offer a flexible alternative for routine checks.

“Whenever we provide a modular cleanroom or Isopod, we introduce clients to our handheld particle-counter range,” says Guardware Cleanroom Consultant Jordan Lucas. “They provide a cost-effective and straightforward way to conduct spot checks, confirm filter performance and gain additional confidence in cleanroom conditions.”

Guardware’s ISOcount Plus handheld particle counters feature intuitive touchscreen controls, long battery life and ISO 14644-1-aligned reporting. Selected units also monitor temperature and humidity, providing a broader picture of environmental performance.

Particle-count data can help facilities assess cleaning effectiveness, improve gowning procedures, validate process changes and streamline production. Networked systems enable remote monitoring, centralised data collection and immediate alerts when predetermined limits are exceeded.

Guardware supplies remote and handheld particle counters for contamination-controlled applications across Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Electronics, Aerospace and Advanced Engineering.

When it comes to efficiency, protection and compliance, you can always count on Guardtech.