A media sample holder includes a base and a plurality of retention assemblies including retaining tabs and opposing flexible release lever arms, configured to allow attachment of the base to an attachment adapter. The media sample holder can attach a media sample on or near a filter. The media sample holder held in the media sample holder can have a different removal efficiency curve than a removal efficiency curve of the filter. The media sample can be placed at or near the filter for a period of time, then tested to determine the status and/or life of the filter based on the relationship between the remaining life, exposure, or removal efficiency of the filter and the exposure or removal efficiency of the tested media sample.