Sampling Manual: How to Collect Air Samples for Airborne Mould Spores

LCS Laboratory Inc., based in London, Ontario, offers premium mould sampling kits and professional laboratory analysis to assess airborne mould spores in indoor environments. Designed for industrial hygienists, consultants, and building professionals, our kits include a high-performance sampling pump and Air-O-Cell® cassettes, purpose-built to capture biological spores, pollen, and other particulates effectively.

When Should You Test for Mold?
Air sampling for mould spores is crucial in environments where conditions such as moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odours, visible mould growth, or factors conducive to mould formation are present. These tests are essential for diagnosing indoor air quality concerns, protecting occupant health, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What’s Included in Our Mold Sampling Kits?
Each mould sampling kit from LCS Laboratory includes:

Portable sampling pump for accurate airflow.
Single-use Air-O-Cell® cassettes, ideal for capturing mould spores and pollen.
Detailed instructions to guide you through the sampling process.

How to Plan Your Mold Sampling
Proper planning ensures accurate and meaningful results. Key considerations include:

Cassette usage: Each cassette is single-use, so order one for every room or area you wish to test.
Sampling time: Each sample typically takes 10 minutes to collect, with the entire process usually completed within 30–60 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guidelines for Effective Sampling
To achieve reliable and reproducible results, follow these best practices:

Conduct sampling in occupied living spaces under closed-door conditions to stabilise airflow.
Keep windows and exterior doors closed, except for normal entry and exit, for 24 hours before the sampling.
Turn off fans, HVAC systems, or air exchangers that facilitate indoor-outdoor airflow.
Position the sampling cassette near the centre of the room, elevated 3 to 6 feet above the floor to align with the breathing zone.

Outdoor Sampling for Baseline Comparison
Outdoor mould spore levels vary naturally and often serve as a benchmark for interpreting indoor air quality results. During warm seasons, collect at least one outdoor sample in addition to indoor samples for effective comparison.

Additional Resources
For a comprehensive guide to assembling a sampling train and detailed operating instructions, refer to our article or explore Zefon Inc.’s training video. These resources ensure you achieve the best results with your sampling efforts.

Order Your Mold Sampling Kit Today
Take control of your indoor air quality. Visit our online store to order a mould sampling kit or contact us directly for expert guidance.