FITR vs Stain Tubes

Disadvantages of Stain Tubes to Test Breathing Air Quality

Subjectivity. Results have to be interpreted by the tester– some much more than others.
Cannot be calibrated to National Standards.
Cross-sensitivity. While testing for one contaminant, results may be affected by other contaminants.
Inaccurate - published standard deviations of up to +/-30%.
Affected by environmental conditions. Ambient temperature and pressure affect results.
Require accurate measurement of gas volume passing through the tube with concomitant calibration costs.
Not practical for testing for more than a few analytes.
Provides no permanent evidence. Any permanent records are subject to the interpretation of the tester at that time only, and would not support litigation.
Shelf Life. Tubes have a shelf life that is affected by storage conditions.
High initial cost and consumables cost.
Cannot be said to unequivocally meet the requirements of BSEN12021:2014 in full.
Problems of disposal of used tubes.

Advantages of FTIR Spectroscopy for Breathing Air Analysis

Accuracy. Uncertainty of measurement circa +/-2%.
Calibration to National Standards checked daily.
Objective. Known and calibrated analytes have concentrations determined by computer software. Unknown contaminants are analysed by highly qualified staff in laboratory conditions. Carried out by an independent laboratory.
Full spectrum analysis. Over 300 contaminants can be monitored in a single pass.
Fully compliant with BS-EN12021:2014.
Meets COSHH obligations with ease.
No initial cost.
Permanent record. As the scan is computer generated it can be stored indefinitely, to be available for scrutiny. Therefore provides genuine evidence to support litigation.
Value for money. Very low cost for such a sophisticated method.
No disposal requirements.
No consumable costs.