Mould Sampling Instructions.
Laboratory Services.
Lab Solutions.
Pinchin has been offering superior lab services for over 30 years as part of its full-service environmental consulting and health and safety business. We provide reliable, confidential lab results on a fee-for-service basis either at our state-of-the-art facilities or in the field, if required.
How to Take a Mould or Bacteria Sample
Tape-lift, bulk and swab samples are analyzed in our lab by Direct Microscope Analysis (DME). Please read all instructions before proceeding.
1) Use a 5 cm (2”) piece of clear Scotch tape (not opaque or duct tape). Hold it along the edges, trying not to touch the sticky side.
2) Press the tape gently onto the surface to be sampled.
3) Peel the tape off the surface, holding it by the edges as much as possible and place it sticky side down on a piece of wax or grease paper.
4) Place the paper in a clean zip lock plastic bag.
5) Complete the Chain of Custody form and send to the lab.
1) Wearing protective gloves, cut a small 5 x 5 cm (2” x 2”) piece of the suspect material (e.g., drywall, carpet, wood), taking care not to disturb the mould.
2) Place the sample in a clean zip lock plastic bag (one sample per bag). Label the bag.
3) Complete the Chain of Custody form and send to the lab.
1) Use a sterile swab for sampling on wet surfaces.
2) Wearing protective gloves, roll a sterile swab lightly across the area to be sampled. (To quantify the amount of mould or bacteria on the surface, swab a specified surface area—e.g., 100 sq. cm.)
3) Insert the swab in the tube or a clean zip lock plastic bag and label the sample.
4) Complete the Chain of Custody form and send to the lab within 24 hours. In case of delays, use a cooler box with ice packs for wet samples.
This is a more complex procedure involving the use of special equipment (pump and air cassettes or agar strips/plates). We recommend contacting our Mississauga Microbiology Laboratory to book a trained technician.