Sampling For Moulds In Your Home

Tape-Lift

You can do a tape-lift to identify the mould and ascertain if it is growing. It is an easy and non-destructive method. Make sure that you use clear scotch tape (not opaque tape or duct tape). Take about 5 cm of tape, hold it between your fingers and gently press on the surface to be sampled. Then place the tape back on a piece of wax or grease paper, put it in a plastic bag and send to the lab.

Wet Surface

If you are working on a wet surface, use a sterile swab to sample the area. Gently roll the swab over the area to be sampled and place the swab back into its pouch or in a clean plastic bag. Wet bulk samples and swabs should be sent to lab within 24 hours. In case of delays, use a cooler box with ice packs to send the wet samples.

Drywall

Alternatively you can cut a piece of the drywall/wood (5X5 cm) and send that to the lab in a plastic bag. Wet bulk samples and swabs should be sent to lab within 24 hours. In case of delays, use a cooler box with ice packs to send the wet samples.

Direct Microscope Analysis

Tape-lift, swab and bulk samples are analysed by Direct Microscope Analysis (DME)

Chain of Custody

You also need to fill in a Chain of Custody Form or write a letter requesting that the sample be analyzed by DME (Direct Microscope examination) on a RUSH (24 hours service) or REGULAR (3-5 working days service). Rush analysis is $100 per sample while regular analysis is $50 per sample.

Air Sampling

Air Sampling is more complicated and involves the use of special equipment (pump and air cassettes or agar strips/plates). This is usually done by a trained technician.

Sending Samples

Have samples brought, mailed or couriered with payment to our Mississauga Microbiology Laboratory:  

Pinchin Ltd.
Microbiology Laboratory
Attention: Dr. Rafic Dulymamode
2555 Meadow Pine Blvd., Unit 2
Mississauga, ON L5N 6C3  (Map)

Office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. There is an after-hours sample drop box beside the main doors.

Phone: 905-363-1318
Toll Free: (888) 767-3330
Fax: 905-363-0681

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to give us a call or send us a message. checking off "Mould" on the Home Owners Contact Form.