Authorities Say
Tape-Lift Surface Samples Provide
Valuable Mold Information!!
“Surface sampling may be used to (a) confirm the nature of suspected
microbial growth on environmental surfaces, (b) measure the relative
degree of biological contamination, and (c) identify the types of
microorganisms and other biological agents present. Surface sampling
is preferred over bulk sampling when a less destructive method of
sample collection is desired.” Bioaerosols, Assessment and
Control, [ACGIH 1999], Section 12.2.1
[Surface tape sampling] “may help investigators decide if further
sampling is indicated and may help them formulate recommendations
for remediation.” Bioaerosols, Assessment and Control [ACGIH
1999], Section 12.1.3.3
Settle Plate Techniques Are Not
Considered Scientific!!
“Settle plates do not collect airborne particles in a
representative manner and do not reliably measure bioaerosol
concentrations.” Bioaerosols, Assessment and Control [ACGIH
'99], Section 2.3.2.2
“The settling of particles by
gravitation onto a culture plate or a microscope slide depends
highly on particle size and is influenced strongly by air movement.
Given the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of ambient
particle movement, investigators cannot directly relate the number
of CFUs [mold colony forming units] on a settling plate…to the
concentrations of the corresponding particles in the sampled
environment Gravity samples should not be used even to determine the
relative air concentrations of different microorganisms because of
the method’s collection bias.” Bioaerosols, Assessment and
Control [ACGIH 1999], Section 11.3.1
Cultures May Not Detect Important
Molds!!
Culture-based methods allow detection of only those organisms
that are alive, in a condition to grow in culture, and able to
successfully compete with the organisms in an environmental mixture.
It is possible (and perhaps likely) that the majority of
microorganisms in a particular sample are not identifiable with
culture-based methods. The species most readily cultured from a
given environment may not be the most prevalent or the most
important species present.” Bioaerosols, Assessment
and Control [ACGIH 1999], Section 6.1.2.2
“Viability of spores is not essential to
toxicity, so that the spore as a dead particle can still be a source
of toxin.” Harriet M. Ammann , Ph.D., D.A.B.T., Senior
Toxicologist, Washington State Department of Health Is Indoor Mold
Contamination a Threat to Health? |
Mold Test Links
Why Sample
Where to Sample
How to Sample
Compare Testing Kit
Be sure the kit you choose...
-
Provides useful information
(identifies mold types; detects total spores present, not only
viable)
-
Uses a method approved by the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
-
Is easy to use
-
Is analyzed by a qualified lab
knowledgeable about biocontaminants
|
|
|
Kit |
Price |
Identifies Mold Types |
Total
Spores (living & dead) |
Only
Detects Viable Spores (culture) |
Settle
Plate Technique (unreliable info) |
Easy to
Use |
Pros/Cons |
|
BPA MOLDetect |
$99 for 3 tests |
YES |
x
tape lift |
|
|
YES |
Highly qualified lab.
Includes all materials. Lab report is consumer
friendly. 2-3 days to get results. |
|
Pro-Lab Mold Mildew Test
Kit |
$9.95 - 23.95 per kit,
without lab analysis |
NO
[add $30 each sample for lab analysis] |
|
x |
x |
|
Media can get contaminated
before testing leading to inaccurate results (false
positives) |
|
Allergen Alert |
$99.95 2 rooms / kit |
Only measures 4 molds:
alternaria, cladosporium, penicillium, aspergillus |
x |
|
|
Vacuum dust on upholstered
furniture or carpet for 2-3 minuts |
Does not test for molds
like stachybotrys. Results in 2 weeks. |
|
Allergy Buyers Club.com (MTK) |
$129.95 for 1 test |
|
x
tape lift |
|
|
Yes |
Results in 7-10 days.
Only identifies 5 fungi. Not standardized. |
|
Jon-Don (Pro-Lab Kit) |
$24.95 for 1 test |
YES |
|
x |
x |
Must make up media |
Media can get contaminated
before testing (false positives). Company says accurate
results in 48hrs; however stachybotrys and many molds
require much longer to grow. |
|
Mold Check Sampling Test
Kit |
$14.95 |
NO
[add $39 per sample] |
|
|
|
Attach unit to vacuum wand
and vacuum all floors in house |
Cannot determine which
area(s) is contaminated since one sample from all rooms
is combined. |
|
Mold Lab Mold Test Kit |
$50 per tape |
YES |
x
tape lift |
|
|
|
Must obtain a sterile
piece of transparent tape and baggie. |
See our entire line of Air Monitoring
Equipment.
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