What is the pollen count and how is it measured?
The pollen count is a measurement of how many pollen grains are floating in the air, expressed as grains per cubic metre, and helps people with hay fever know when pollen levels are high. In the UK, pollen is measured using a Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap, a device placed on a hospital roof that sucks air through a sticky tape over 24 hours. After collection, the tape is examined under a microscope, pollen grains are counted and identified by species, and the data is converted into simple categories—low, moderate, or high—to inform the public.
Key points:
- Air is drawn through a sticky tape in the measuring device, and particles stick to it as they pass through
- The tape is replaced daily and examined under a microscope to count and identify different types of pollen
- Calculations convert the number of pollen grains collected into a measurement per cubic metre of air
- The UK's pollen forecasts are based on data from a network of observation stations that use this method
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by medino's clinical team.