Mold Sampling
Surface Tape Lift Sampling
The purpose for collecting tape lift samples is to determine whether or not mold is growing on the surface sampled, and if so, what types of molds are present. The sample is collected by tape lift imprint of discoloration using a “Bio-Tape” prepared tape lift slide. When the laboratory results are returned we can compare them to the mold air sample results in order to determine the possible source if elevated mold airborne levels are detected.
Bio-Tape™
Bio-Tape provides a sampling method for use in the determination of possible microbial, bioaerosol, and inorganic dust contamination in a simple, standardized way. It provides the ability to quickly take a sample and measure the relative degree of contamination. Bio-Tape consists of a flexible plastic microscopic slide with a pre-defined adhesive area. A center-line marker on the slide aids the user in locating the center of the adhesive when taking the sample and also aids the laboratory analyst in finding the center of the sample area. Each slide is provided with a unique serial number for traceability and packed in a slide mailer to prevent cross contamination. Information provided by Bio-Tape user guide
Non-Viable Mold Spore Trap Air Sampling
The Objective
To capture and quantify a broad spectrum of fungal spores (both culturable & non-culturable) present in the air as well as to assess whether the levels present suggest a fungal problem in the interior locations sampled.
Mold Air Sampling Overview
Non-culturable spore trap samplers draw measured volumes of air through the sampling device for a specified length of time. The collection surface is a coated glass slide. Particles in the air (spores, dust, etc.) impact onto the sticky surface and are "trapped" for later analysis.
Air Samples are useful in assessing 1) exposure levels to people in an indoor space, and 2) whether spore aerosolization is occurring. Air samples may also detect hidden reservoirs of fungal growth. There are two main types of air samples, culturable and non-culturable (also called “non-viable”, “total”, or “spore trap”). Ideally, both should be used in an investigation. When budgets or time constraints are critical, usually spore trap samples are recommended over culturable air samples.
M2 Multi-Mold Air Sample Cassette
The M2 Multi-Mold is a patent-pending disposable dual air sampling cassette used for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sampling and analysis. It operates in accordance with well-established fluid/air dynamic principles. Air particles are deposited onto the adhesive over a rectangular shaped area of approximately 16mm². In the laboratory, the cassette is opened and the glass slide is removed, mounted and stained for quantification.
