Fungi (commonly known as molds) are microorganisms that are found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Molds thrive in moist conditions and can grow on a variety of substrates. There are several sampling methods for assessing potential exposure to airborne molds; including collecting airborne, bulk or surface samples. Please see our detailed Sampling Instructions for each method.
Mold can grow on a variety of substrates, including: wallboard, paper, wood, insulation, ceiling tiles, carpets, upholstery, drapery, plants and food substances. Mold can cause ailments (e.g., allergic reactions and infections) in certain individuals.
Harmful mycotoxins can be present in the airborne spores of various molds, and can irritate upon inhalation. Symptoms can include headaches, nosebleeds, chronic sinus infections, asthma, extreme fatigue, and rashes. The well-known toxic mold Stachybotrys chartarum was associated with infant deaths in Cleveland. Other molds, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus are also known to cause allergic reactions in many people.
Infants or individuals whose immune system function is low or compromised are more susceptible to mold infections. Fungal growth can also cause significant damage to buildings and building materials. If fungal growth is detected in time, affected areas can often be simply cleaned, and the area kept warm and dry to prevent future growth. If fungal growth is not detected in a timely manner, buildings may require costly remodeling.
If moisture-damaged areas with a musty smell and/or fuzzy growth are encountered while remodeling, it is recommended to test for mold. Lab/Cor's knowledgeable staff can assist in determining which sampling and analysis type is best suitable for your needs.
Ulocladium sp.
Air samples for non-viable analysis are collected using spore trap cassettes (ex: Air-O-CellTM, AllergencoDTM and Cyclex-d). Spore trap cassettes are analyzed directly under the microscope, and fungal spores or structures are identified to genus or category. Results are quantified to a given sample volume.
Air samples for viable analysis are collected directly onto growth medium using an air sampler (ex: Andersen). After an appropriate incubation period, colonies are identified according to growth morphology. Viable analysis determines the growth potential of spores and allows for identification to species. Results are quantified to a given sample volume.
Fungal air analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- Air, Nonviable, Fungal ID
- Air, Nonviable, Particulate ID
- Air, Nonviable, Fungal and Particulate ID
- Air, Viable, Genus ID
- Air, Viable, Genus and Species ID
Penicillium sp. and yeast
Tape Lift Samples Tape lift samples are taken from a surface of interest using clear adhesive tape or adhesive slides (ex: Zefon Bio-TapeTM Surface Sampler). Fungal structures are identified to genus or category. Results are quantified per sample or to a given sample area.
Swab Samples There are two different methods for analyzing swab samples: Non-viable and Viable. Samples for non-viable analysis are suspended in liquid medium and analyzed directly under the microscope. Fungal spores are identified to genus or category, and results are quantified per sample or to a given sample area. Swab samples for viable analysis are suspended in inoculation medium and plated onto appropriate growth agar. After incubation, colonies are identified to species or genus according to growth morphology. Results are quantified per sample or to a given sample area.
Fungal surface analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- Tape, Nonviable, Fungal ID
- Tape, Nonviable, Particulate ID
- Tape, Nonviable, Fungal & Particulate ID
- Swab, Nonviable, Fungal ID
- Swab, Nonviable, Particulate ID
- Swab, Nonviable, Fungal & Particulate ID
- Swab, Viable, Fungal Genus ID
- Swab, Viable, Fungal Genus & Species ID
Stachybotrys spores
Bulk samples for non-viable analysis are analyzed directly under the microscope, and fungal spores or growth structures are identified to category, genus or species. Results are given qualitatively (relative abundance categories) or can be quantified to a given surface area or weight.
Bulk samples for viable analysis are portioned, suspended in liquid medium and plated onto appropriate growth agar. After incubation, colonies are identified according to growth morphology. Viable analysis determines the growth potential of spores and allows for identification to species. Results are quantified per sample or to a given sample area/weight.
Fungal bulk analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- Bulk, Nonviable, Fungal ID
- Bulk, Nonviable, Particulate ID
- Bulk, Nonviable, Fungal and Particulate ID
- Bulk, Viable, Genus ID
- Bulk, Viable, Genus and Species ID
There are two different methods for analyzing fungal dust samples: Non-viable and Viable.
Dust samples for non-viable analysis are analyzed directly under the microscope, and fungal spores or structures are identified to category or genus. Results can be given qualitatively (relative abundance categories), quantified per sample, or quantified by weight.
Dust samples for viable analysis are weighed, portioned, suspended in liquid medium and plated onto appropriate growth agar. After incubation, colonies are identified according to growth morphology. Viable analysis determines the growth potential of spores and allows for identification to species. Results are quantified per sample or to sample weight.
Fungal dust analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- Dust, Nonviable, Fungal ID
- Dust, Nonviable, Particulate ID
- Dust, Nonviable, Fungal and Particulate ID
- Dust, Viable, Genus ID
- Dust, Viable, Genus and Species ID
Additional fungal analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- Burkard Time-Incremented Sample Slides
- Witness Plates