Indoor Air Quality
Viable Air Sampling (Agar Plate Testing)
Viable air sampling measures living microbial organisms such as mold and bacteria that are capable of growing on culture media. This is ideal for identifying sources of indoor contamination and assessing occupant exposure risk.
Method: Active air sampling onto growth media (e.g., MEA, SDA, TSA, etc.)
Analytes: Culturable fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium), culturable bacteria
Applications: Post-remediation verification, healthcare facility monitoring, water damage response, routine IAQ assessments
Non-Viable Spore Trap Analysis
Spore trap sampling captures total airborne particles — including fungal spores, hyphal fragments, pollen, fibers, and dust — regardless of viability.
Method: Air is drawn over an adhesive-coated slide (e.g., Air-O-Cell, VersaTrap)
Analysis: Microscopic identification and quantification at the genus or spore-type level
Use Cases: Baseline assessments, rapid turnaround for real estate transactions, clearance testing, allergen investigations
Direct Microscopic Examination (Bulk/Swab Samples)
Direct examination of settled dust, suspect growth on surfaces, building materials, or HVAC debris.
Sample Types: Tape lifts, swabs, bulk materials (e.g., ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation)
Output: Presence/absence of fungal structures and identification to genus/morphotype
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact health, productivity, and overall safety. At Legacy Environmental Laboratory, we commonly identify issues such as elevated mold spore counts, the presence of pathogenic or allergenic fungi and bacteria, airborne particulates from water damage or construction, and indoor pollutants linked to HVAC systems or inadequate ventilation.
Who We Serve
– Environmental consultants
– Industrial hygienists
– Mold remediation contractors
– Property managers & real estate
– Schools, hospitals, public health
Our Laboratory Advantage
– Fast turnaround, standard & expedited services
– AIHA-LAP Accredited & ISO 17025-compliant methods
– Clear, detailed reports with genus-level ID and interpretation
– Online portal and app for 24/7 project access
– Flexible service options including custom reporting
How It Works
1. Collect Samples: Use our IAQ kits or contact us for on-site support
2. Ship or Drop Off: Mail or deliver with chain of custody
3. Laboratory Analysis: Rapid, precise testing
4. Receive Report: Detailed results with genus ID & interpretation
Sample Types
Sample Type | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
Spore Traps | Total fungal spore counts | Clearance testing, allergen surveys |
Viable Air | Culturable organisms on media | Post-remediation, healthcare |
Swabs | Surface or HVAC biofilms | Source identification |
Tape Lifts | Direct sampling of visible growth | Quick screening for mold/fungal ID |
Bulk Samples | Material debris, settled dust | Construction, water damage response |
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between spore traps and viable sampling?
A: Spore traps count total spores (living or dead) and offer fast results. Viable sampling grows organisms on media, allowing for species-level ID and viability confirmation.
Q: How fast are results returned?
A: Spore trap and direct exam results have a standard turnaround time of five days with expedited turns as fast as 4 hours available. Culture-based results (viable samples) are reported within 3-7 days depending on growth and type.
Q: Do I need professional sampling services?
A: We stick to what we’re best at — analyzing environmental samples with precision and care. While we don’t offer on-site sampling ourselves, we’d be happy to connect you with trusted professionals from our client network who do.