Environmental Microbiology

In addition, our Microbiology Laboratory staff members maintain individual certifications by the Pan American Aerobiology Certification Board (PAACB). Certification is awarded to analysts who demonstrate a precise level of knowledge of aerobiology, and proficiency in microscopic identification. PAACB is the only established program concerned with individual spore analyst accuracy, and evaluates the ability of an analyst to correctly identify spores and pollen as would be encountered on “real-world” samples for direct microscopic examination.

SAI actively seeks advanced training workshops and collaborative seminars with world-renowned mycologists to stay on the leading edge of emerging industry trends and laboratory methodologies. SAI successfully participates in AIHA’s Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) Program for culturable fungi and bacteria, direct exam, and spore-trap samples.

For high priority clearance projects requiring immediate analysis of spore-trap and direct-exam samples, our SOS (Scopes On Site®) team provides mobile laboratory service on-site and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our BiOLOG system can rapidly identify over 1,900 species of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeast, and fungi. This system provides reference laboratory identifications using a 96-well MicroPlate testing format which has become the gold standard for non-genetic identification systems. When an organism is introduced to the pre-selected carbon sources in the microplate, a characteristic “metabolic fingerprint” is rapidly produced which is automatically read and matched to a comprehensive database, allowing more versatility than narrowly-focused methods such as PCR.

Spore Trap Analysis

• Non-culturable: Identification and enumeration (counts/m3) to genus (or group) of all spore types present, quantification of fibers and hyphal fragments, as well as an assessment of background debris and skin cells.

• Direct Examination (tape-lift, swab, or bulk): Identification and qualitative assessment to genus (or group) of all fungi present.

• Identification to genus level of all fungi and bacteria present and enumeration to cfu/m3. Identification to species of fungi and bacteria is available for a small surcharge.
• BiOLOG: Automated biochemical assay to accurately distinguish between more than 1,900 fungal and bacterial species.

• Identification to genus and/or species level of all fungi and bacteria present and quantification to CFU/unit. Identification to species of fungi and bacteria is available for a small surcharge.
• BiOLOG: Automated biochemical assay to accurately distinguish between more than 1,900 fungal and bacterial species.

• Identification and semi-quantitative enumeration of household dust particles, fungi, pollen, and fibers.