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laboratory services

Here at Quantus Analytical, our quality of service is our primary focus.  We regularly perform the analysis of fungal, lead, and asbestos samples.  Our fungal sample analyses include  non-viable bioaerosols, tape and bulk samples, and culturable samples.  If the service that you require is not listed on this page, call us - chances are we can accommodate you or your business!  Click here to learn more about our turn-around times. 

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non-viable bioaerosol samples 

Non-viable (non-living) bioaerosol samples are collected to determine the type and concentration of bioaerosols present in the air.  Non-viable sampling cassettes include Air-O-Cells, Micro-5 Microcells, and any other spore trap media that is available on the market.

The Pros

• Capable of capturing all spores and particulate matter in the air.

• Can assist in the identification of both viable (living) and non-viable (non-living) spores.  This is important because non-viable spores are still capable of causing allergies and producing toxins, but will not be counted or identified in a culturable sample.

• Can be used to accurately characterize problem environments.  This method is better than the DIY sampling kits that you can buy from Lowe's or Home Depot because it will give you a quantitative answer that can be compared to outdoor or baseline concentrations to determine if there is a problem.

The Cons

• Because captured spores are not grown on a culture plate in this method, it is difficult to identify mold spores to the species level.

• Differentiation between Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. type spores cannot be made.

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tape/bulk samples 

Samples are collected from visible microbial growth and analyzed in order to determine the type and extent  of potential mold growth.  These type of samples must be collected with completely clear tape (not frosted in any way) or a piece of the contaminated material may be brought into the lab.

The Pros

• Is beneficial in distinguishing between Penicillium and Aspergillus type spores.

• Used to look for indications of growing fungi.  This is often a great tool used along with bioaerosol sampling to determine where the source of the mold is, and is also good at identifying areas with moisture problems.

• Can sometimes identify mold spores to the species level with this method.

The Cons

• If collected without also conducting air sampling, this method will not be able to tell you if the mold is affecting the air quality in the room or building.

culturable (viable) samples 

Culturable samples reflect which fungi are able to grow under laboratory conditions on prepared media.

The Pros         

• Allows for the differentiation of Penicillium and Aspergillus type spores.

• Allows for the identification of spores to the species level.

• Provides counts indicative of how many spores are viable and present in the air.  This is especially important for immunocompromised individuals who would be more susceptible to the infections that viable spores may cause.

The Cons          

• Because culturable samples are only capable of growing viable and healthy mold spores, this method may not give you an accurate measurement of the indoor air quality in the building.  That is, non-viable mold spores will not be found in culturable samples.

• Mold spores require specific nutrients and environmental conditions to grow.  This means that different types of agar (or gel) in the culture dish will grow different types of mold.  Therefore, some mold spores (specifically Stachybotrys) will not grow on the culture plate unless the agar is changed.  This is directed specifically at store bought petri plates which do not in most cases contain the appropriate type of agar to grow Stachybotrys and some other mold types.