Sampling


All individual samples are accompanied by a chain of custody form, which includes company information, sample identification and information, and analysis requested. This form provides a signed record history of the "custody" (handling) of every sample.

1. Adhesive Tape Sampling
2. Cassette Slide Impactor
3. Viable Impactor
4. Bulk Check
5. Dust-Check™ and Carpet Check™
6. DNA RT-PCR Analysis

Adhesive Tape and Wetted Swab
If there is visible mold or a suspect area, we can sample those areas using two techniques: adhesive tape sample or a wetted swab.
Sampling performed with tape allows rapid qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis of the molds present in the limited area sampled. Sampling performed with wetted swabs can be advantageous in that larger composite areas may be sampled with one Swab, and allows rapid qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis of the molds present. Results are usually available in 24-48 hours. Another advantage is that swab samples may be
submitted to the laboratory for culture based analysis for viable molds (i.e. fungal elements that have the ability to grow and form colonies under favorable conditions). This Analysis will take 7-10 days.
Note - when sampling suspect areas or visible mold, all locations will be documented by digital photography and written description.

Cassette Slide Impactor
We can also sample your indoor air for mold by use of a cassette slide impactor. This is a
procedure by which a precise volume of air is drawn by a pump for a precise length of time
and the air is forced onto a slide which captures the particulates in the air (i.e., mold spores and pollen). The same procedure is performed outdoors to provide a basis for comparison. Subsequent laboratory analysis can provide rapid qualitative and quantitative analyses of the mold(s) present. Results are usually available in 24-48 hours. The molds collected on the slide impactor cannot be cultured and therefore some types cannot be specifically
identified. view diagnostic equipment

Viable Impactor
If specific identification is desired, we can obtain samples of mold in your air by the use of a viable impactor. This procedure is very similar to that used for the cassette slide impactor. The difference is that the viable impactor captures spores by impaction onto an agar plate that can be incubated, allowing viable mold spores to form colonies that can be counted and identified. As with the cassette slide impactor, outdoor air is sampled to provide a basis for comparison. Subsequent laboratory analysis can provide specific qualitative and
quantitative analysis of the molds present; however, analysis will take 7-10 days.
view diagnostic equipment

Bulk Check
Where there is visible fungal growth, we can take a small (usually less than 1"x1") sample of the contaminated material (dry wall, carpet, etc) for laboratory analysis. This will provide both qualitative and quantitative results to determine the species of mold present and the concentrations and viability.

Dust-Check™ and Carpet Check
We can obtain samples from carpeting and surfaces using Aerotech Laboratories
Dust-Check™ device. The dust collector is suitable to be analyzed for common indoor
environmental allergens such as mold, pollen, dust mites, cat dander, household dust, lead and chemical contaminates.

DNA RT-PCR Analysis
Molecular biology is used in practically every facet of the modern world. Humans now rely on DNA to provide answers to questions that only 10 years ago were unanswerable. Now, we can use DNA to answer questions about molds in the indoor environment. Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, or RT-PCR, is a major breakthrough for quick and highly
accurate identification of molds.
RTPCR can be used to determine the timeline of a mold infestation. Since molds require water to grow, we can use the underlying ecology of the mold species present in a building to determine how long a problem has existed. In this way, RT-PCR can potentially improve an insurance company's abilities to assess mold claims.
Key Points for RT-PCR

• Make sure the laboratory you choose is licensed by the EPA. The American        Industrial Hygiene Association's accreditation does not cover RT-PCR.
  
• RT-PCR is well suited for the courtroom. The precision and accuracy of RT-PCR data is unmatched by any other analysis method.