P.O. Box 515 (mailing)
130 Allen Brook Lane (shipping)
Williston, VT 05495 USA
Toll Free: 800-723-4432
Local: 802-878-5138
Fax: 802-878-6765
pwarden@analyticalservices.com

Copyright © 2006
Analytical Services, Inc.

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Indoor Air Quality Introduction

Laboratory and Consulting Services for IAQ Microbial Investigations

Analytical Services, Inc. provide microbiological testing and consulting services in support of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigations nationwide. We will work with you to develop a complete sampling strategy, expedite the delivery of any sampling equipment you require, and provide clear, comprehensive reports. We provide defensible data, on time and on budget, to help resolve your indoor air problems quickly and confidently.

Technical Support

A distinguishing characteristic of Analytical Services, Inc. (ASI) is our willingness to provide support to clients before, during and after sample collection. Prior to sampling, we will help you develop an appropriate sample collection plan based on your objectives, IAQ complaints, HVAC configurations, building use patterns, etc., to accurately assess the site under investigation. Typically, we recommend a combination of aerosol, surface and bulk samples for viable and non-viable analyses. For your convenience, ASI will supply equipment, protocols, media, labeling markers, chain of custody forms, return airbills—in short, everything you need for microbial sample collection.

In addition to providing telephone support as needed during sample collection, ASI’s technical support continues after the analytical work is complete and our report has been submitted. Our staff is trained to help you review the results, interpret the data, and to make meaningful recommendations.

Laboratory Analysis

Viable samples include aerosol, bulk, and surface samples (contact plates or swabs). These samples are incubated at the laboratory and are generally analyzed for bacterial and fungal enumeration and identification. We routinely perform specialized analyses such as Actinomycetes, Legionella, Stachybotrys, thermophiles.

Non-viable samples are important to fully characterize the indoor air because in addition to particulate irritation, non-viable spores and vegetative material may contain antigens or mycotoxins that may cause allergic or toxic responses. Non-viable, aerosol samples are typically collected using Burkard spore traps or Zefon Air-O-Cell cassettes. In addition, surface samples collected using clear tape and submitted on glass slides provide an inexpensive screening method. Endotoxin and allergen analyses (dust mites, cat, dog and cockroach) are available by special request.

Microbial Identification Techniques

Our mycologists identify fungi to genus level by microscopic examination using our extensive reference library. Fungal speciation is available on a limited basis (routinely performed on Aspergillus spp., for example). We identify bacteria to species using a variety of methods, including Cellular Fatty Acid (CFA) analysis using the gas chromatography-based MIDI system or metabolic characterization-based systems (Biolog, Crystal, or API).

Strain Tracking

To demonstrate the taxonomic relationships among bacterial or yeast isolates, the MIDI and Biolog systems generate dendrograms and 2-D principle component plots. These graphs can be used to compare isolates (at species or subspecies level) recovered from different locations or the same location at different times.

Sampling Equipment and Media

Rental Equipment:

• Andersen (Graseby) viable impactors (single and two-stage)
• Burkard spore traps
• Calibrated vacuum pumps
• Contact (Rodac) plates
• Impingers
• Swab Culturettes
• Tape slides
• Vacuum filter attachment (allergen assays)
• Zefon Air-O-Cell cassettes

Media:

• Brain Heart Infusion Blood Agar (BHIBLA) with 5% sheep blood for clinical bacteria
• Malt Extract Agar (MEA) with Chloramphenicol for fungi
• R2A with Cyclohexamide for bacteria
• Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) for Thermophilic Actinomycetes

Data Interpretation

We have received many compliments for our detailed reports, which include tabular display of enumeration and identification of the microorganisms and/or particulates recovered from your samples. These data are arrayed to facilitate comparisons between relevant samples.

In addition, ASI’s reports may include an assessment of the total counts of fungi and bacteria in the samples, a comparison of the number and types of microbes recovered from the affected and background area(s), as well as comments regarding amplification of specific types of microorganisms. Our reports provide information regarding the pathogenicity of the organisms recovered and specific comments on situations that warrant further investigation or remedial action. A sample report is available by request.

Research and Development

ASI is determined to provide the best service available to our clients, and our commitment includes performing original research and developing new procedures. For example, we recently presented innovative methods for enhanced recovery and identification of Stachybotrys and are exploring the use of molecular techniques for IAQ. ASI was the first laboratory in the United States licensed by Perkin Elmer Corporation and Roche Molecular Systems to use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the commercial analysis of site specific, environmental samples.