Topical Sampling

     A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, performs bulk or surface sampling. Bulk or surface sampling should be performed if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure. Bulk or surface sampling should also be performed to identify the presence or absence of mold if visual inspection is equivocal (e.g. discoloration and staining).

     Bulks samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scrapping and cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect surface with clear tape. The surface sample is then transferred to a potato dextrose agar petri dish. The dish is then incubated in a special incubator that is high humidity and void of all ambient light at a temperature suitable for fungal growth.

     The most accurate mold identification is only possible after seven days of live culturing for the mold cultures to reach their maximum identification growth. After seven days of incubation, the fungi samples are removed and identified down to genus and to species where possible through visual identification under the microscope.