ANALYSIS LAB
Our lab team takes care of all of your analysis needs!
Spore trapping
Spore trapping
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING TOTAL SPORES
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING TOTAL SPORES
Our team can analyze any kind of spore trap (Air-O-Cell, Allergenco-D, Cyclex-D, Micro5), which lets us quickly measure the total fungal load in the air. These analyses help identify non-culturable spores. However, since certain moulds cannot be identified in this manner, spore traps are often used in conjunction with specimens grown on culture media.
Specimens on culture media
Specimens on culture media
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
We use several methods to collect viable micro-organisms from the air so we can grow them on specific culture media. The primary sampling devices used by our team are the Andersen N6, SKC and RCS® impactors.
We can specifically identify the genus or species and can count viable bacteria, yeast and mould in order to issue clean room certifications, industrial assessments and building inspections.
RODAC – Swabs – Sponges
RODAC – Swabs – Sponges
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE AND CULTURABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE AND CULTURABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
Analyzing viable micro-organisms (mould, fungus, yeast, bacteria) helps us confirm whether a surface has been properly cleaned. Identifying contaminants on a surface, whether or not it appears affected, also helps us identify the source.
Our team uses swabs to evaluate contaminants on smaller surfaces and generally uses sterile sponges for large surfaces after cleaning.
Finally, RODAC plates are used to assess whether cleaning was effective (controlled environments, laboratories, ventilation ducts, etc.).
Biotape – Slide – Adhesive tape
Biotape – Slide – Adhesive tape
IDENTIFYING MOULD, FUNGI AND OTHER PARTICLES
IDENTIFYING MOULD, FUNGI AND OTHER PARTICLES
Mould (whether viable or not) and other visible particles stick to an adhesive matrix (Zefon Bio-tapeTM, EMS Mold Tape SlideTM), but certain kinds of adhesive tape (like clear 3M Scotch Tape) can also be used for this analysis.
This type of analysis is quick and inexpensive and allows us to confirm whether a stain on a material is caused by a visible quantity of mould. Sometimes, this method can also help us identify non-fungal particles, such as efflorescence.
Materials analysis
Materials analysis
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE AND CULTURABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE AND CULTURABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
Any contaminated material could release odours or contaminants into the air in your building. Where there is no standard in force, a control material is used, taken from a location unaffected by water damage.
Analyzing a specimen lets us precisely quantify and identify the viable micro‑organisms (mould, fungi, yeast, bacteria) in the sample. As mould or bacteria are not always visible, this type of analysis can help us determine whether or not a material is contaminated.
Micro-organisms
Micro-organisms
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE AND CULTURABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
COUNTING AND IDENTIFYING VIABLE AND CULTURABLE MOULD, YEAST AND BACTERIA
Inert particulates, mould, yeast and bacteria in the air can settle and accumulate in a building’s dust. By analyzing samples of deposited dust, we can quantify and identify the viable micro‑organisms (mould, fungi, yeast, bacteria) contained within. This kind of analysis can provide information about the history of an indoor environment’s microbiology and help identify mould or concentrations that are not typical of a healthy indoor environment.
Dry rot fungus
Dry rot fungus (Serpula lacrymans)
LAB IDENTIFICATION OF DRY ROT FUNGUS
LAB IDENTIFICATION OF DRY ROT FUNGUS
Through microscopic observation of spores, we can determine whether they are similar or dissimilar to Serpula Lacrymans and can make a quick and inexpensive preliminary identification. To formally identify dry rot fungus, our team uses the most effective method, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which allows us to identify the destructive fungus’s genetic material (DNA). If necessary, we can conduct specific analyses for other fungi.
Certifications
Other services we offer
- Drinking water analysis
- Legionella pneumophila analysis
- Iron ochre analysis