LCS Laboratory Inc., specializes in air quality testing. As a part of our services, we offer (rent) air sampling equipment for air quality testing. This operation manual will help you to assemble a sampling train for the collection of mold spores. The same procedure can be used to sample pollen, skin cells and other allergens. The sampling procedure is discussed in more detail in a different article.
1. Your sampling kit contains a sampling pump, capable of drawing 15 L/min of air. The pump has a 5-foot long tube connected to the pump inlet, and a power cord. Your pump is fully calibrated and ready to be used. Just plug it into the electric outlet and turn the switch on.
High Flow pump for mold spores sampling
- Find the included air sampling cassettes. Each cassette can be used only once, so if you ordered 4 cassettes, you can sample up to 4 different rooms. Inspect the cassette before sampling. It has two paper stickers covering the inlet (this is where the air enters the cassette) and outlet (the end of the cassette which is connected to the pump). Arrows on the cassette show airflow direction during sampling.
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Remove the protective stickers. Notice that the two sides of the cassette have different shapes. The outlet is round and inlet is square. Remove inlet and outlet stickers from the cassette and put them aside. You will need them at the end to “close” the cassette.
Air-O-Cell Sampling cassette. This end is connected to the pump
4. Connect the inlet side of the cassette to the tube coming from the sampling pump. Secure the cassette 3-5 feet above the ground. Use tape or simply place the cassette on a desk. Have your request form , watches, and pen ready. You will use the form to record the cassette ID, location of sampling, and duration.
Mold Sampling Train
5. Label the first cassette you are about to use as “#1”. On the request form, write down the sample ID and location. For example, “Sample #1, basement at laundry machine”. Record the start time and turn the pump on. Collect the air sample for 10 minutes. Record the end time.
6. Disconnect the cassette. Close the cassette with the original stickers. If you misplaced them, use pieces of duct tape to close the cassette.
7. Move the pump to the next room and repeat the sampling.
8. Pack the equipment and return it to our lab for analysis. Our address can be found on the “contact us” page.
9. When the results are ready, we will send you a report by email.
If you are ready to order your air sampling kit, or receive an instant quote, please visit our online store.
