• U.S. Lab Accredited by AIHA #183867 •
What is a MoldScan?
A MoldScan is a fungal direct examination tool used to detect elevated airborne mold concentrations. Utilizing microscopy, MoldScan can be performed on standard impaction spore traps, such as an Air-O-Cell or Micro5, swabs, bulk material and tape lifts. Quantification of spores is based on the amount of air sampled with spore traps; however, when analyzing swabs, bulk samples and tape lifts, a simple low, medium, or high quantification is given. To determine whether elevated concentrations are present, a control sample from the outdoors is generally taken at the time of sampling for comparison.
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Collecting MoldScan Samples
Spore Traps require an air pump that pulls air through the spore trap at a set rate for a certain amount of time. Each spore trap’s optimal air flow or volume may be different. Please check the manufacturer’s documentation on recommended sample collection volumes or contact the laboratory with questions. Keep in mind certain situations may require adjusting the volume to ensure overloading of the sample does not occur, such as wall cavity sampling.
Swabs or Tape Lifts
Sampling surfaces with swabs or tape lifts is a very simple, 3 step process.
- Remove the protective shield from the swab or tape lift.
- Lightly touch the suspected mold colony with the swab or tape lift.
- Replace the protective shield back on the swab or tape lift.
What is a Fungal ViaScan?
Identifies living fungi and can be performed on a swab, bulk, air, or water sample. Generally used when the viability of present mold spores needs to be known. Examples include: An operating room or post remediation, to determine if the residual mold spores are viable and can begin to grow again or infect patients, if growth conditions are met.
YES
Samples Must be Shipped to the Lab Overnight to Ensure Viability is Preserved.
YES
DNA Based Species Identification is Available for Additional Charge.
Depending
7-14 day Turnaround: Based on How Long Sample Must be Incubated to Grow.
Collecting ViaScan Samples
Air
Air sampling requires an air pump, plate medium and Andersen impaction stainless steel plates. Air is pulled onto the sterile plate medium and the plate is sent back to the laboratory for incubation and analysis. Differential media may be ordered to help pinpoint certain fungi in question.
Bulk
Materials such as carpeting may be sent into the laboratory and analyzed for viable fungi or mold. Simply place a suspected contaminated bulk material in a zippered bag and send it to the laboratory. The analyst will take it from there.
Swab Samples
Collection is similar to a MoldScan. Swab by touching a suspected colony with a sterile swab. Another method is by swabbing a measurable area (such as a one-square inch section) with the sterile swab. Then record the area swabbed on the chain of custody.
Water Samples
Simply fill up a 250 ml sterile polypropylene bottle with water from the source in question and ship the sample overnight to the laboratory for analysis. Ensure containers are dry, water tight and packaged with appropriate insulation.
Educational Materials
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