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HomeWhy Test for MoldWhat We Do

Mold And Bacteria Testing

Benefits Of Using MBL Services

• Consults with you on the most appropriate test methods to use for your samples, or what samples may be appropriate for a given investigation. Inappropriate test methods or samples cost more money and give results that may be difficult to interpret or defend and subsequently a waste of resources. In most cases, simple tests for mold and bacteria analysis that cost less are good enough and the results are easy to interpret.
• Provides prompt, accurate mold and bacteria testing. We understand delayed decisions while you await laboratory results cost money.
• Provides you with data interpretation (if required) and relevant technical information. We don't just list molds and bacteria that were identified.
• Provides links to other pertinent resources. We save you time by providing you with up-to-date industry information relevant to your results. We write well-researched mold and bacteria reviews in our free monthly Mould & Bacteria Review Newsletter on topics of interest to our clients.
• Provides services after working hours. We understand on-time completion of projects is critical to your business.
• Provides free unlimited after-sales consultation. As our client, you enjoy unlimited help by sending your questions by email to our Help Desk or by filling out our Question Form. For immediate assistance, our clients are free to call our helpline at 905-290-9101.

Types of Mold And Bacteria Testing

We provide:

• Mold identification and enumeration
• Testing for environmental bacteria

Mold testing services include analysis of non-viable air samples (Air-O-Cell, VersaTrap, Micro 5, cyclex D, LARO-100, pcm cassettes), viable air samples (RCS, Andersen, etc), direct microscopic and culture analyses of bulk samples (drywall, wallpaper, pieces of carpets, insulation material, dust, wood and other matrices), tape-lift and swab or wipe samples. (top)

Who We Serve

We serve:

• Certified mold Remediators (CMR) and Certified Mold Inspectors (CMI)
• Environmental engineering and construction firms
• Industrial and occupational health consulting firms
• Building demolition/restoration contractors
• Homeowners and commercial building managers
• Hospitals/health care facilities, schools, banks, libraries, museums
• Insurance, real estate and legal professionals involved in mold and bacteria issues
• Home inspectors
  
  

We help troubleshoot mold/bacterial problems in residential buildings, industrial settings, hospitals, and offices.
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Mold Testing

For how to collect samples click (How do I collect my samples?)

• Air Samples
• • Culture (viable) analysis. This includes enumeration of the colony forming units (CFU) and identification of molds to genus or species. Samples may include RCS, Andersen, LARO-100, or any other media suitable for culture analysis. The report includes a list of recovered molds and their concentration as colony forming units (CFU), statistical comparisons of samples where possible and information on the recovered molds where available.
  • Non-viable (total spore count) Analysis. Samples include Air-O-Cell, VersaTrap Cassette, VersaTrap Sampling Cassettes, SKC BioStage, SKC BioCassette, Micro 5, Cyclex D, LARO-100, PCM and other cassettes. This analysis involve spore counting and identification of different categories of mold spores. The report includes spore counts for each category of spores and the grand total spore count for all spores per cubic meter of air. Wherever possible spore counts and categories of spores for all the samples are compared.

• Bulk samples
  (e.g., drywall material, wallpaper, pieces of carpet, etc). Bulk samples could be analysed by either direct microscopic examination (DME) or culturing. A report for DME analysis gives a listing of the observed molds in rank order. Information of the recovered molds is also given. Culturing involve identification of recovered molds to species and listing them in rank order.

• Surface swabs
  Swabs could be analysed by direct microscopic examination (DME) or culturing. A DME report for these samples is similar to that of bulk samples. A culture report includes a list of the recovered molds identified to species level and concentration of these molds if the analysis involved quantification.

• Tape-lift samples
  Tape samples are usually analysed by DME but could also be analysed by culturing. The report produced here is similar to that of DME for bulk samples.

• Dust samples
  (from carpet, upholstery, mattress etc.), Soils and other sediments. These samples are suitable for either culturing without quantification (Direct Plating) or with quantification. They may also be analysed by DME. A report for culturing for quantification lists the recovered molds and their concentration as CFU per gram of dust or per unit area.

• Sewage and sludge
  Suitable for analyses by culturing. Could also be analysed by DME. Reports produced for these samples are similar to those of other samples.

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Bacterial Testing

The samples discussed above (with the exception of tape-lift and non-viable air samples) can all be analysed for culturable bacteria. We can also test water samples. Since virtually every sample has some form of bacteria, it is important to have a clear objective for bacterial analysis. Also, some samples are not suitable for bacteria analysis or for some categories of bacteria.

MBL performs the following analyses (please see our Bacteria Analysis Page for details):

• Coliform Analysis
• Iron Bacteria Analysis
• Sulfur Bacteria Analysis
• Legionella Detection
• Gram Staining and Enumeration of Culturable Bacteria

To ensure the lab has in stock all the reagents required for a particular bacteria test, please call before sampling to let the lab know the type of analysis required, the turnaround time and the number of samples. (top)

Mold And Bacteria Consulting Services

We are happy to offer assistance to industrial and occupational hygienists, certified mold inspectors, environmental engineers and other consultants, in designing sampling strategies and also determining the most suitable types of samples to take for a given investigation. We also assist field consultants in troubleshooting mold and bacterial problems in industrial settings, hospitals, offices and residential buildings.

Should you have a question concerning either our services or any mold/bacteria and their health effects, please send your question to our Help Desk, or fill out our Question Form and submit for priority attention. Your questions will be answered within 48-72 hours. For immediate assistance call 905-290-9101.
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Mold Training Course Update

Click Mold Training to see our available training dates for 2008.