Pumps used for active sampling include 'grab-samplers' and battery-powered pumps. By allowing precise volumes from 20 mL to several hundred liters to be sampled into tubes, this method ensures compatibility with a wide concentration range (from sub-ppt to high ppm levels).

Active sampling can be used in combination with multi-bed sorbent tubes to collect analytes over a wide volatility range; it can also be used for collecting very volatile organic compounds - VVOCs (e.g., propene and chloromethane) through to semi-volatile organic compounds - SVOCs (e.g., dodecyl phthalate and six-ring PAHs).