LCS Laboratory Inc. offers analysis of loose dust collected from the surfaces using the Micro-Vacuum technique. The method is best suited for extraction of dust from porous materials like concrete, wood, or carpet. This technique employs vacuum to extracts dust from deep pores of the surface. The dust is captured into sampling cassettes, that are submitted to laboratory for further examination.
We recommend to collect samples using surface templates to normalize collection area. If the templates are used or the surface area is recorded during the sampling, the dust can be quantified and reported in units of weight per surface area, usually in μg/100cm2
The sampling technique is relatively straightforward, and requires: sampling cassette, template, and high flow sampling pump (vacuum pump) operating at approximately 15 L/min.
Select area to be sampled and apply template to outline sampling area. Take a sampling cassette and remove the front and back stoppers.
Connect a sampling cassette to the vacuum pump, and turn the pump on
Start collecting the dust sample by rubbing the cassette tip against the surface. Continue until all dust is collected. If you collect the dust from the flat surface like stretched fabric, wood floor, concrete, or any other easily accessible surface, one sampling round is usually sufficient.
For very porous area rugs and carpets, the sampling should be repeated 2-3 times to achieve complete extraction of the dust.
The best collection efficiency is achieved when the surface is vacuumed following a zigzag pattern East-West and then North -South:
Once the sample is collected, please close the cassette, record the sample ID and wright down the surface area that was sampled and it location on the request form. Continue with sampling of other surfaces.
When we receive your sample, we extract dust from the cassette and analyse it in our laboratory.
If you want to learn about other sampling techniques, please visit our “surface sampling” page. To place an order or to discuss your project, please email us and explain what test are you looking for. Thank you for your interest.
