02/25/09:   Aemtek's Dr. Florence Wu selected to speak in the IAQA 12th Annual Meeting

Aemtek is pleased to announce that Dr. Florence Wu was selected to speak in the IAQA 12th Annual Meeting. A summary of her presentation is published below. This press release also contains information about our new 8 Allergen Maria + 36 Mold Species QPCR analysis.

8 Allergen Maria + 36 Mold Species QPCR Testing
 
Have you even been called upon to investigate a house where the occupants complain about allergic reactions, but you don't seem to be able to find any signs of mold growth? In this case, collecting one dust sample and have it tested for animal allergens and mold burden may give you a better clue than taking multiple but inconclusive spore trap samples. Aemtek is now offering the 8 Allergen Maria + 36 Mold Species QPCR Screen testing. This analysis uses advanced technologies to provide most sensitive, accurate and comprehensive assessment for 8 allergens and 36 mold species. By ordering the bundled testing, you save 20% on the individual testing fees.

Correlations Between The Level of Indoor Airborne Fungal Spores And Surface Mold Growth  (A Summary)
 
This paper presents the results of a retrospective study of the association between the results of airborne fungal spore samples and surface fungal samples. Over the years, mycologists at Aemtek have analyzed tens of thousands air and surface samples submitted by indoor environmental professionals (IEP). Data from 1,215 residential houses contained in our database were reviewed and analyzed. The results indicated that the detection of significant concentrations of airborne Aspergillus/Penicillium, Chaetomium, and/or Stachybotrys spores were a good indication of moldy condition, even without consideration of outdoor samples. The "significant concentration" was different among the spore types. For Aspergillus/Penicillium spores, this study confirmed previous studies that an indoor concentration exceeding about 500 spores/m3 was a possible sign of moldy conditions and exceeding 1,000 spores/m3 was strong indication of moldy conditions. Any detection of Chaetomium and/or Stachybotrys spores in the indoor air should be considered significant. This difference may be related to spores' different settling times. These data also impact issues involving post-remediation verification (PRV) inspections. (Interested in reading more? E-mail lab@aemtek.com to request the full paper)

Aemtek is a high quality accredited laboratory specializing in food, environmental and pharmaceutical microbiology and chemistry. We help clients obtain accurate, fast and reliable analytical data in detection, quantification and prevention of microorganisms. Aemtek lab can be reached by phone 510-979-1979 or e-mail at lab@aemtek.com. Visit our website www.aemtek.com for more information.