USIAQ is located in Cary, North Carolina and provides testing, training and product review.

MOLD SAMPLING

These results are generally qualitative.
This method is used to confirm suspected visible growth.
Results are reported as a relative amount of spores on a gradient scale:
Massive > Numerous > Many > A Few > Trace > No Growth
Massive, Numerous, and Many may indicate active fungal growth; whereas, A Few and Trace may indicate background or minor contamination.

Direct microscopy or culturing can be performed on dust samples.
This method is used to detect growth in dust found on surfaces, in carpets, or in fabrics.
For direct microscopy, results are reported the same as tape lift samples.
For cultures, results are reported as CFU/gram of dust.

This method is used to detect the presence of airborne mold spores (viable and non-viable).
Identification is performed to genus level when possible or group. (Aspergillus and Penicillium spores are similar and are reported together)
Compare results of indoor vs. outdoor samples and complaint vs. non-complaint areas.
Results are reported as Fungal Structures/m3 of air.
Non-microbial particulate levels may mask fungal structures, giving false low counts. The non-microbial particulate levels are rated as follows:

Low: 0-25% of slide covered, this may show slightly decreased counts.
Moderate: 26-75% of slide covered, actual counts may be from 1-4 times higher than reported.
Heavy: >75% of slide covered, actual counts may be from 4 - 10 times higher than reported.

This method is used to detect the presence of viable airborne mold spores.
Identification is performed to genus level and species level when appropriate and possible.
Compare results of indoor vs. outdoor samples and complaint vs. non-complaint areas.
Results are reported as CFU m3 of air