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| Sampling Guide Overview: Methods of Fungal Sampling |
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A. Air Sampling
Spore trap provides a relatively simple and cost-effective way to determine concentration of fungal spores in air samples. The most common air samplers are Zefon Air-O-Cell, Allergenco, Burkhard, Micro 5, and Cyclex-D. Spores are counted and identified and the results are presented as spores per cubic meter of air.
This method involves drawing an air sample over a petri dish containing culture media. The petri dishes are incubated in the laboratory so that fungi impacted on the plate can grow and then be identified and enumerated. Results are presented as Colony Forming Units per cubic meter of air. This method commonly uses the Andersen N-6 Impactor. Different media are available from Qualtest, Inc. at no cost. B. Surface Sampling Surface sampling is perhaps the easiest and most economical way to test a suspected mold sample.
This method involves applying a clear tape directly to the surface of suspected fungal growth. The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory by direct microscopy.
This method involved using a swab to collect a sample from a non-porous surface. Samples obtained using this method are analyzed using culturing or direct microscopy.
The sample is collected from a defined surface area to provide quantification. The swab is washed in a sterile solution and that solution is then cultured using culture media.
Visible or suspected fungal growth on surfaces can be sampled using a sterile swab. Swab samples are very similar to tape samples, except that a sterile wipe is used to test an area of suspected fungal growth. The The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory by direct microscopy. 3. Bulk This method involves cutting or scraping a portion of suspected contaminated material. Samples can be analyzed by direct microscopy or cultured.
Small pieces of building material with visible or suspected fungal growth can be sent to the laboratory for analysis. A measured bulk sample is washed with a sterile solution and that solution is then cultured using culture media.
Send a small piece of the contaminated material to the lab, where a surface sample can be taken by one of our laboratory analysts. The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory by direct microscopy. 4. Dust
Dust samples washed in sterile solution and that solution is then cultured using culture media. Results are presented as Colony forming Units per gram.
Dust samples are analyzed in the laboratory by direct microscopy, however this method is not recommended. |
| Fungal Sampling Information |
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| Non Fungal Sampling Information |
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| Qualtest, Inc. 2458 Alton Parkway Irvine, CA 92606 Phone: (949) 838-0378 Contact Us |
| Qualtest, Inc. |
