Spore Trap Analysis

EMSL Test Codes:  M001 Air-O-Cell, M003 Burkard, M004 Allergenco, M032 Allergenco-D, M049 BioSIS, M118 Buck Bioslide, M130 ViaCell, M165 MoldView, M166 MoldView Plus (prepaid with orange label), M172 VersaTrap, M173 Allegro M2 Multi-Mold, M174 MoldSnap, M176 Relle Cassette, M002 Cyclexd, M030 Micro-5, and M043 Cyclex 

Test Overview:  Air Sample analysis for the identification and quantification of fungal spores, hyphal fragments, pollen, insect fragments, skin fragments and fibrous particulate.
 

Test Description: Spore trap samples are stained with lacto-cotton blue staining solution before analysis under a phase contrast microscope. The sample is placed into an aligned, calibrated microscope, and an initial examination of the entire trace area is performed under 300X total magnification to estimate the particulate density ratings. Estimates of background particle density (BPD), skin fragment density (SFD), and fibrous particulate density (FPD) are made. Next, analyze 30% of the sample at 600X, and record the data. After all traverses have been completed at 600X, scan 100% of the trace at 300X, and count and record spore types not encountered during the 600X portion of the analysis. Fungi and other particulate are identified to the nearest positive match, using in-house and published reference materials. Keep in mind the degree of morphological variability possible within each fungal genus/category and other particle type.