Introducing the Pinchin Microbiology Laboratory
Newsletter ID: PEN #10, 2001.
Services: Environmental Laboratory Services
Table of Contents [hide]
Pinchin Environmental is pleased to announce the opening of the Pinchin Microbiology Laboratory, established to enhance our consulting services for indoor air quality issues.
Penicillium species on microscope slide. (630x)As
with services for asbestos and lead analysis established in the past,
these new services are also available to external clients and
consultants with full confidentiality assured.
The laboratory isolates and identifies fungi from various environmental samples (air, dust, swab, bulk, etc.) and bulk samples. Identification to species level is based on a combination of direct examination of materials, microscopic examination, and physiological tests on diagnostic media. Although the laboratory is currently dealing mainly with moulds, bacterial analysis will soon be available as these are important indoor environmental bio-contaminants.
Penicillium cultured on multiple media for species identification.Occupational
health and safety and public health agencies now recognize indoor mould
growth as a health risk to occupants. Several indoor moulds (and
possibly yeasts) are potential hazards to human or animal health
because of their ability to produce toxic metabolites (mycotoxins).
Certain household moulds and yeasts may also be a hazard because of their ability to elicit allergic reactions. The common allergic symptoms associated with indoor moulds include sneezing, runny nose or nasal congestion, eye irritation, cough or congestion, aggravation of asthma, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty in concentrating. Although most indoor moulds are not infectious, some species are opportunistic pathogens, able to infect susceptible groups such as the aged, debilitated, and individuals who are receiving chemotherapy or antibiotic treatment.
Air Sample Analysis
Culturable Airborne Fungi
Spore trap air sample - various mjould spores including Stachybotrys chartarum. (630x)Culturable
airborne fungi are isolated and identified from a number of common air
samplers (RCS, Andersen or impinger fluids) and results reported as
colony forming units per cubic metre of air (CFU/m3). All significant toxigenic moulds such as those of the Aspergillus and Stachybotrys groups are identified to the species level.
Total Airborne Fungal Counts and Identification
Direct microscope examination of spore trap samples (Air-o-Cell ™, Burkard, Allergenco, membrane filters) can identify fungal spores and other particulate to the genus or group level. Rush turnaround of spore trap samples is available for time-sensitive applications.
Material Sample Analysis
Direct Microscope Examination
Aspergillus spore on tape-lift. (400x)Direct
microscopic examination (DME) of water, wipe, swab, tape, bulk, soil,
and dust samples allows the mycologist to determine the presence of
mould spores and mould growth. The mycologist can report the types of
mould present, to the genus or species level, depending on the types of
mould. A major advantage of DME analysis is the availability of
immediate results. DME samples can be processed further by culturing
methods to characterize the moulds present, if required.
Culturing of Bulk, Tape-lifts, Swab and Dust Samples
Stachybotrys chartarum on tape-lift. (400x)Bulk,
tape-lifts, swab and dust samples are transferred to growth media and
the major and significant fungi identified to the genus or species
level. Results are reported by rank order identification, qualitatively
or quantitatively, as required.
Protocols Used in the Laboratory
Protocols used in the laboratory are based on those published in recognized journals or being used in internationally recognized laboratories.
The laboratory is also enrolled in the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) Program (Lab ID# 158835). The EMPAT Program is a performance evaluation program for the analysis of microorganisms of most concern in indoor air quality.
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