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MBL is using ASTM D7391 – 09 Standard Test Method to Analyse Non-viable Air Samples

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) inc., is now using the new ASTM method D7391-09 for analysis of non-viable air samples. Until recently, there has been no standard method by which to analyze non-viable air samples collected by inertial impaction samplers such as Air-O-Cell, Allergenco-D, micro 5 and other similar samplers.

The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) International published the new standard method, D7391-09 entitled “Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy”.

The method outlines two procedures for enumerating fungal structures: one for slit impaction samples such as air-o-cell and allergenco-D and the other for circular impaction samples such as micro 5. Analytical results are presented in fungal structures/sample (fs/sample) and fungal structures/m3 (fs/m3)

For details regarding the standard, please visit the ASTM website. For analysis of your samples using the standard method please contact us by Phone:

Toronto: 416-628-0238
Mississauga: 905-290-9101
Calgary: 403-775-7536
Vancouver: 604-484-9114
Winnipeg: 204-272-3752

Toll Free: 1-866-813-0648

Or you can contact us by:
Fax: 905-290-0499

An Alternative Calculation Procedure for Airborne Particulates

The current ASTM Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy (D 7391-09) has outlined the procedures for calculating airborne fungal structures (FS).

For slit impactors such as Air-O-Cell and Allergencos the calculation for fungal structures (or particulates) is based on traverses analyzed. For details click An Alternative Calculation Procedure for Airborne Particulates.

Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy

The ASTM International has published the first standard method for enumeration and identification of spores collected on inertial impactors. Currently, there are significant differences in the methods used by labs to analyse spore traps. These differences have made comparison of results from various labs difficult. The method “ASTM D7391 – 09 Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy” will help the labs using this method to analyse samples in a similar manner.

However, the standard is unlikely to overcome the limitations of spore traps but it is a good start in developing scientifically sound standard methods for analysis of spore traps. The standard also leaves the interpretation of results to the individual consultants. For details about the standard, visit http://www.astm.org/Standards/D7391.htm.