- Currently, there are no widely accepted protocols or regulations
regarding air sampling and analysis for fungi. Selection of the type
of samples to collect and the sampling tools should be determined by
careful consideration of the data required and how it would be
interpreted. In some instances using both culturable and non-
culturable samples would be recommended.
- Some fungal species such as "Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp.",
"Drechslera sp. and Biopolaris sp." are not distinguishable by their
spore morphology alone, so for non-culturable samples some fungal
spores have to be grouped together.
- In the case of culturable samples the whole colony, not just the
spores, are examined for identification. This enables better
identification of certain fungal species.
- Some fungi do not grow at all in standard media or will grow very
slowly.
- Stachybotrys sp. in particular doesn't grow well in standard culture
media. Non-culturable examination is the preferred method of
identification (spore trap or tape-lift). If you are testing for
Stachbotyrs sp. using a culturable method, specific culture media
types should be requested.
- Dead spores will not grow on any culture media. Although some of
the dead spores can have the same health effects as viable spores.
- Fungi can be speciated, meaning it can be identified to the species
level with culturing. Non-culturing only permits identification to the
genera level.
- When it is not possible, due to time or budget availability, the use of
non-culturable spore trap sampling is recommended. It is usually the
best choice when only one sampling method can be use.
- Non-culturable analysis does not require time for growing, so rush or
same day results are available. Where as culturable samples require
7-10 days for growing.
|
