FIG. 5.

Summary of QPCR results obtained for the detection of B. atrophaeus from surfaces before and after decontamination with chlorine dioxide gas. Materials were contaminated by aerosolization of B. atrophaeus spores into the room, followed by settling of the bioaerosol onto surfaces. Surface samples (929 cm² [1 ft²]) were collected with Heavy Wipes, swipes, and SSP kits prior to decontamination (pre-decon). Surfaces were treated with chlorine dioxide gas and sampled postdecontamination (post-decon). Bar heights represent the mean (log₁₀) of three samples ± 1 SE.