Abstract: Automated microbial fluid sampling and analysis systems and processes are disclosed herein. Such a system can include a processor that can execute stored computer instructions to control the air sampling and analysis system, a consumable cartridge including a cartridge body and a sample capture substrate (SCS), an air handler to move air through the SCS, a thermocycler to bring the air sampling reaction chamber to one or more desired temperatures to perform nucleic acid amplification directly on the SCS, and optics that can measure fluorescent signal from the air sampling reaction chamber. The system can automatically collect the sample, and can automatically perform the nucleic acid amplification and analysis.