Tape Lift sampling is a simple technique, that is often used to collect a settled dust sample from surfaces like furniture, floors, walls and carpets. Tape lift samples are usually examined by light microscopy for mold, fibers, biological materials, insects and other particles that are found in dust. LCS Laboratory Inc., offers various tests for dust collected on tape lifts.
To collect a Tape Lift sample you will need a roll of transparent tape, Ziploc bags, a permanent marker, and a LCS Laboratory request form .
It is important to use transparent tape, which is clear even under high magnification and does not interfere with the analysis.
Scotch tape (even if it looks similar to a transparent tape), is not suitable for sampling. Scotch tape is made by blending mineral dust into the film, making it opaque. This is why it is considered a poor choice for microscopy. Packaging tape does not work either, due to the composition of the glue. The glue contains additional dust, which interferes with the final analysis. Once you have the supplies ready, the sampling part is simple.
Take 4-5 cm long piece of tape.
Hold it either with one or two hands. Have the sticky side of the tape facing the surface from where the sample will be taken. Touch the surface with the tape.
The dust should now be imprinted on the tape and can be tested by LCS Laboratory.
Open a new Ziploc bag, insert the tape with the dust sample into a bag, and gently press the sticky surface of the tape against the inner surface of the bag.
Close the bag. Label it with a marker (example: “Dust Sample #1”). Complete the request form and ship/drop off your sample(s) to LCS Laboratory for analysis
