Mold Remediaton – What are my mold sampling options?

Wondering what options exist for verification when you suspect that your home or office has been invaded by mold? Well, here are a couple options that will help you get the results you need to restore your peace of mind.

1.  Surface Samples – Swab, Dust, Tape and Bulk Samples

Swab, Dust and Tape samples are  mounted on a glass slide and observed under a bright field
microscope for either Qualitative or Quantitative Examination. A bulk sample is also
simultaneously observed under a stereomicroscope to look for signs of any visible discoloration
or fungal growth, which is then mounted and observed under a bright field microscope for
either Qualitative or Quantitative Examination. The samples are analyzed at a minimum of
200X magnification and up to a 1000X magnification. In the  qualitative examination, the
prepared samples are observed for the presence of any structures or skewing of spore
distribution that may indicate growth in the sample being analyzed. In the quantitative examination, the mold spores detected in the sample are counted and reported as spores per cm squared, spores per gram (or 1000mg), or spores per swab/wipe, etc depending on the sample type.
These methodologies do not differentiate between viable and non -viable fungal spores.

2.  Air Samples- Spore Trap Device

Spore traps are a unique sampling device designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a
wide range of airborne particulates, including fungal spores.  While analyzing the sample, the
analyst takes a number of variables into account to select the proper a nalytical method to
accurately determine the densities of the various spores on the trace. The densities of the debris
and the spores on the trace will determine the approach to analyzing the sample. In general, the
sample is directly mounted under the microscope and the various airborne particles detected are
counted at a minimum of 200X magnification and up to 1000X magnification, with the entire
trace (100% of the sample) being analyzed at 200X or 600X. This method does not differentiate
between viable  and non -viable fungal spores.  This technique does not allow for the
differentiation between  Aspergillus and  Penicillium spores. Additionally, depending on
morphology, other non -distinctive spores are reported in categories such as ascospores or
basidiospores.

* Information provided by EMLab P&K