Environmental Microbiology
J3 Resources, Inc. offers laboratory analysis of mold and bacteria using these appropriate methods.
MOLD IN AIR
SPORE TRAPS (AIR-O-CELL, ALLERGENCO-D)
Allow for rapid collection and identification of both viable and non-viable airborne particulates, such as fungi, using air impaction cassettes. Particulate containing air is pulled by a vacuum pump through a cassette containing a glass slide coated with adhesive collection media. After collection, this slide is prepared and analyzed by the laboratory using light microscopy.
CULTURE PLATES (ANDERSON SAMPLERS)
Used for the identification of viable fungal spores in the air. A vacuum pump draws air across the culture media for a given time. Samples are incubated and genus of culturable fungal spores is reported.
MOLD IN BULK/SURFACE
NON-VIABLE
Swabs
This method is used for the collection of a specimen on a building material. Swabs are convenient for sampling hard to reach areas. Analysis is conducted using a light microscope to identify and provide relative abundance of fungal spores and/or hyphal structures. Swabs may be used to collect a sample for further analysis on culture plates.
Tape Lifts
This is the simplest method for the physical collection of a visible specimen on a building material. Clear tape is used to physically sample suspect areas. Analysis is conducted using a light microscope to identify and provide relative abundance of fungal spores and/or hyphal structures.
Bulk Materials
This method requires sample material be brought into the lab for analysis. Analysis is conducted using a light microscope to identify and provide relative abundance of fungal spores and/or hyphal structures.
VIABLE
Contact / Culture Plates
This method involves the introduction of fungal spores to a culturable media by either swab or direct exposure to air/surface. Samples are inoculated onto culture plates for genus identification of culturable fungi.
Swabs
This method is used for the collection of a specimen on a building material. Swabs are convenient for sampling hard to reach areas. Samples collected on swabs are inoculated onto culture plates for genus identification of culturable fungi.
Bulk Materials
This method requires sample material be brought into the lab for analysis. Subsamples of suspect areas of bulk material are inoculated onto culture media for genus identification of culturable fungi.
BACTERIA
Total Coliforms/E. coli
This test allows for detection (Presence/Absence) of total coliforms and E.coli. Coliform bacteria are bacterial indicators of sanitary quality of foods and water. Included in this assay is the presence or absence of E.coli, a type of fecal coliform. Samples may be brought in as water, swab, or bulk samples. Results take 24 hours minimally due to the required growth time for bacteria. Results are sensitive to 1 colony forming unit per 100mL.
