Mould Laboratory Analysis

IECL is a leading commercial Mould Testing Analysis Laboratory throughout Australia. In addition we are a NATA accredited lab. Our lab follows ASTM Standards

Ours is the only lab in Australia that specialises in Mould Sample Analysis. Our PHD accredited lab director, has published several papers relating to mould analysis. Our specialty is Mould and you can be assured our methodology and services reflect the highest possible standard you can find.

Generally, we can analyse the samples coming to our lab the same day it arrives. Otherwise, wait times can vary from 34-48 hours. Our Mould Lab is open 5 days a week from 8am-4pm, and in emergencies or special cases can operate after-hours.

Lab Accreditation

• ASTM Standard Designation: D7658 – 17 Standard Test Method for Direct Microscopy of Fungal Structures from Tape.

• ASTM D7391-17e1 – Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy

Mould Air Sample Procedure

First create a mould sampling plan appropriate for the job. You need to identify problem areas and or potential occupants’ exposure. Areas for testing include:

• Indoor samples of problem areas
• Outdoor sample for reference. This will be compared to the indoor sample.
• Subfloor and ceiling areas if required
• Sample collection may taken with HVAC system running or switched off. Depending on mould sampling plan.
• You may find it useful to take the sample in disturbed conditions by the use of a air blower.
• Use an air sampling pump (Biopump) to collect air sample at 15 litres per minute
• Label the cassette with a sample number / job number with location
• Important, you will want to place your mould air sample pump on a tripod. It should be 1.5 – 2m above ground level.
• Remove sticker tape sealers on the inlet and outlet of the mould sample casset (Air-o-Cell) and put then on the side of the pump.
• Place the cassette on the sampling pump.
• Turn the pump on for 5 minutes.
• You will want to record, the sample number, location, pump number, flow rate , sample duration and air volumes, rotameter number as well as job number, client and sampling documented on the Chain of custody.

Calibrating the mould sample pump

They will run at a flow of 15 litres per minute. You can use a rotameter calibration device to ensure it is calibrated correctly. For greater accuracy, you can record the calibration results on the chain of custody.

Mould Surface Samples

Tape sampling is a a technique used to sample surfaces. It is sued for the identification of mould benera, the degree of contamination. Additionally it can potential for airborne spore production.

The method to collect includes using a Zefon (environmental express) biotape to the surface. The tape is pressed against the surface and sent to the lab for analysis. This media if used properly should not cause damage to the surface. The slides have their own individual mailers and have unique serial numbers for documentation purposes.

Mould Surface sampling procedure

• Use of PPE relevant to the project
• Do not sample if the sampling can lead to uncontrolled exposure
• Remove slide from mailer plastic sleeve
• Document sample location inside the label and the Chain of Custody Form (coc) (Download here)
• Expose adhesive of the biotape by peealin off the liner.
• Place slide with the tape down on teh surface to be samples
• gently  press down. (Not too hard)
• Carefully remove slide from surface and place back in mailer. DO NOT put the peel back on the surface
• Send slide to Lab for analysis. Don’t forget to fill in your Chain of Custody Form.