Traditional spore counting can only identify spores based on fungal taxonomy. As such,
identification at a species level is usually impossible. Spores are combined into a group
when it is impossible to identify to a genus level, e.g. Aspergillus/Penicillium (Asp/Pen)-
like spores. As a result, people may be misled to think that there is no difference
between the spore counts of their indoor and outdoor samples.
For instance, the Asp/Pen-like spores in an indoor sample could be small with a smooth
cell wall, while the Asp/Pen spores in the outdoor sample are large with a rough cell
wall. This signifies that they are not from the same fungal colony. Traditional spore
counting does not point out this difference.
Based on these findings, QLAB is pleased to announce that it has developed a new
analysis called Spore Signature Analysis™. This technology uses the different
characteristics in microscopic morphology and chemical reactivity of spores to make up
the different “profile” groups. Although identification based on fungal taxonomy cannot
be made, the morphological variations among the spores can be described to indicate
their different origins. Please click here for a sample report.
Asp/Pen-like and Cladosporium spores, which are important spores in IAQ
investigation, are divided into eight and three profile groups, respectively. The number
of spores in each group makes up a “signature” profile. Therefore, if the indoor spores
come from outdoor air, then the "signature" profile should be similar. Using this new
analysis, the chances of discovering indoor mold growth will be significantly increased,
especially when the counts of Asp/Pen-like and Cladosporium spores are significantly
high in the outdoor air.
The variations in the microscopic morphologies of different spores within a fungal group
can be recognized only by well-trained and highly experienced analysts. The Spore
Signature Analysis™ offered at QLAB is currently only performed by Senior Ph.D.
Microbiologists. The Analysis Code is FD 03 and the TAT is 48 hours. It is currently
being offered for a introductory rate of $50 per sample including the regular spore
count analysis.
Have you ever found the data of spore traps are difficult to read and interpret? Well, no more. Just follow QLAB's MoldSense™ Protocol using MoldSense™ Report format for easy and comprehensive data interpretation. Please contact us at info@QLABusa.com for a copy of sample report.
If you are not currently a QLAB client and wish to adopt the MoldSense™ Report and Protocol for your organization, please write to us at legal@QLABusa.com for permission. This permission is being offered for a limited time. Certain restrictions apply.
