SKC NoiseCHEK vs. TSI Edge 5: Personal Noise Dosimeter Comparison

Quick Comparison: PortaCount 8048 vs. QuantiFit2

Similarities Between PortaCount 8048 and QuantiFit2

Although these systems use different technologies, they share several important capabilities:

• Meet OSHA, ISO, and NFPA respirator fit testing standards 00:19
• Perform quantitative fit testing
• Test half-mask and full-face elastomeric respirators 00:26
• Require annual calibration and are portable for on-site testing 00:36
• Produce objective pass/fail results
• Help organizations maintain respiratory protection compliance

For many organizations, either system can satisfy regulatory requirements. The deciding factors come down to testing environment, respirator type, throughput, and maintenance preferences.

Testing Technology

PortaCount 8048: Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC)

The PortaCount 8048 measures respirator fit by comparing ambient particle concentrations outside the mask to particles inside the respirator. 00:43

Because it relies on naturally occurring airborne particles, the system performs best in environments with adequate particle counts. If particle levels are too low — such as in hospitals or clean environments — a particle generator may be required.

QuantiFit2: Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP)

The QuantiFit2 uses Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) technology instead of ambient particles. 00:51

Rather than measuring particle leakage, the instrument creates a slight vacuum inside the respirator and measures whether air leaks into the mask. Because it does not rely on ambient particles, the QuantiFit2 delivers consistent results regardless of the surrounding environment.

Testing Speed

One of the biggest differences between these systems is testing speed.

PortaCount 8048

Typical OSHA quantitative fit testing takes approximately 10 minutes per employee, 00:58 including the required OSHA exercise protocol: normal breathing, deep breathing, turning head side-to-side, moving head up and down, talking, grimace, bending, and final breathing. These exercises simulate real-world respirator use.

QuantiFit2

The QuantiFit2 uses RED (Rapid Employee Detection) protocols and Controlled Negative Pressure technology to complete testing in less than 2 minutes. 01:54 Organizations testing hundreds or thousands of employees each year often appreciate the significant reduction in testing time.

N95 Respirator Testing

This is often the deciding factor for many organizations. 01:05

PortaCount 8048

Supports testing for N95 respirators, half-mask respirators, full-face respirators, and elastomeric respirators. If your respiratory protection program includes disposable N95 masks, the PortaCount 8048 is generally the preferred choice.

QuantiFit2

The QuantiFit2 does not perform N95 fit testing. 01:12 Instead, it focuses on half-mask elastomeric respirators and full-face respirators. Organizations relying primarily on reusable respirators often find this limitation acceptable.

Environmental Requirements

PortaCount 8048

Because it measures ambient particles, environmental conditions matter. 01:26 Ideal environments include manufacturing facilities, industrial plants, construction sites, and warehouses. For cleaner environments such as hospitals, medical clinics, and laboratories, a particle generator is often recommended. When renting from RAECO Rents, a particle generator is included at no additional cost for qualifying healthcare environments.

QuantiFit2

Environmental conditions have minimal impact on testing. 01:19 Advantages include no ambient particle requirement, consistent performance, reliability in clean rooms, and ideal use for healthcare settings.

Maintenance Requirements

PortaCount 8048

Routine maintenance includes consumables such as probes, washers, suction cups, clips, and accessories for multiple respirator models. These consumables allow compatibility with a wide range of respirators but require periodic replacement. 02:20

QuantiFit2

Maintenance requirements are lower because the system does not rely on consumable fit-testing accessories. 02:18 Benefits include fewer replacement parts, lower ongoing maintenance, simplified operation, and reduced downtime.

Which Fit Tester Should You Choose?

Ideal Industries