Tape lift sampling is a simple and effective method to collect settled dust from surfaces such as furniture, floors, walls, and carpets. This method is commonly used to analyse dust for mould, fibres, biological materials, insects, and other particles using light microscopy. At LCS Laboratory Inc., we offer a variety of tests for dust collected via tape lift samples.
To collect a tape lift sample, you will need a roll of transparent tape, Ziploc bags, a permanent marker, and an LCS Laboratory request form. It is essential to use transparent tape that remains clear under high magnification and does not interfere with the analysis. Avoid using Scotch tape, as it contains mineral dust that makes it opaque under a microscope, rendering it unsuitable for this purpose. 
Packaging tape should also be avoided due to its glue composition, which can introduce additional dust and compromise the analysis.
Once you have the supplies ready, begin by cutting a piece of transparent tape approximately 4-5 cm long.
Hold the tape with one or both hands, ensuring the sticky side faces the surface you are sampling. Gently press the tape onto the surface to collect dust particles.
The particles should now be imprinted on the tape and ready for testing.
Place the tape with the collected dust sample into a new Ziploc bag. Press the sticky side of the tape lightly against the inner surface of the bag to secure it. Close the bag and label it clearly with a permanent marker (e.g., “Dust Sample #1”).
Finally, complete the LCS Laboratory request form and ship or drop off your samples to us for analysis.
