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MouldWorks Tape Lift Kit
These simple to use kits have proven to be much more effective than all other tape lifts we have used. They support the best microscopic analysis, cultures from tape lifts, and archiving - all from each sample. And, we supply them to our customers at no charge.
MouldWorks Reports
MouldWorks looks at the entire mold site and provides a description of what has happened in the past and what is happening now in terms of moisture intrusion and mold activity, as well as which species are potentially problematic and which are dominant in the sample. Since we identify most molds to the species level we can say something specific about what is at the site:
- Identify all the molds that exist in a sample: MouldWorks has found that for tape lift or bulk samples that have complex growth, we often identify many more species than labs we have been compared with ? often twice as many.
- Perform a forensic analysis of every tape lift and bulk sample by answering the following questions; approximately how long has the mold been growing at the site and how wet has the site been? How active is the site now? To answer these questions we analyze growth activity, the mix of species, and evidence of grazing by mites.
- Identify as many fungi as possible to the species level; you do not know what you have unless you know the species. You know you have a species when there are two full names, e.g., Penicillium corylophilum. This enables us to communicate what is known about health related characteristics of that species. MouldWorks identifies a very high percentage of the molds in samples to the species level.
- Initial quantification of molds on tape lifts and bulk samples: An initial quantification of molds seen is provided by MouldWorks in terms of relative size or presence in the sample. We believe it is most useful to provide an assessment of what is abundant enough to be of concern and what has such small presence it is not of concern.
- Identify beyond fungi; MouldWorks is the only lab we know of that consistently identifies a bacterium that is often mixed in with the molds, Actinomycetes, which is difficult to identify and is the source of many powerful antibiotics. It has very small spores that will stay airborne, is biologically active, and is undocumented regarding human health. Other non-mold identifications potentially relevant to human health also occur.
- Reference what is known about species regarding health related issues: Since we identify molds to the species level, we can refer to what is known about the species in terms of human health. This can only be done if the species is known.
- Reference most current research on molds: MouldWorks has been working with recent research on Stachybotrys chartarum for almost a year, and we have modified our analysis based on this research. A second species of Stachybotrys, Stachybotrys choloronata has been discovered, and it is harmless. When MouldWorks identifies Stachybotrys, it is now cultured in a special diagnostic medium to determine which species it is (at no extra cost). When other research becomes relevant, MouldWorks incorporates it into our practices.
- Background information about the species that have been identified: Rather than providing a general overview of all household molds at the genus level, we provide live internet links to background information about the species that have been identified in the sample.
Customer Service
Our customers can call us any time with any question. Personal support before, during and after the inspection is vital to the success of every inspection.
