When it comes to viable sampling, many IAQ professionals rely on multiple-hole inertial impaction devices such as the A6 Single Stage Microbial Sampler and the BioCassette™. But which one is right for you? Choosing the ideal bioaerosol sampler can be complex. You need to consider availability of culture media, associated costs, personnel training, analytical options, and ease-of-use among other factors.
The A6 Single Stage Microbial Sampler
The A6 Single Stage Microbial Sampler is popular because it is reliable, effective, and provides great results when sampling correctly. The A6 sampler is an anodized aluminum device held together by three spring clamps and sealed with two o-ring gaskets. The unit consists of three stages: 1) an inlet cone, 2) a jet classification stage, and 3) a base plate.
The inlet cone is the top portion of the impactor. Air passes through this stage first as it enters the impactor. The jet classification stage contains 400 precision drilled holes. When air is drawn through the sampler, it passes through these holes, directing any airborne particles toward the surface of the agar collection surface located in the base of the sampler.
IAQ professionals are urged to clean their hands with hand sanitizer or wear single-use disposal gloves and sanitize or change gloves at any point where cross-contamination may be possible. Sanitization also includes wiping out the inlet cone and jet classification stage which are located before the collection agar and could cause cross-contamination.
To perform viable air sampling with the A6, you also need the following equipment: a high volume pump capable of pulling 28 Lpm (e.g., rotary vane pump or EM-Lite II pump), rotameter, primary calibrator, tripod, flexible vinyl tubing, and sampling media.
The BioCassette™
The BioCassette™ is an excellent option for viable air sampling. The BioCassette™ is a single use, disposal device for taking viable samples of the air. Each BioCassette™ comes pre-assembled and pre-filled with sample media – Malt Extract Agar (MEA) for fungal sampling or Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) for bacteria sampling.
The BioCassette™ does not require cleaning, has no risk of cross-contamination from sample to sample, and offers a high level of protection from external contamination and damage during shipment. It combines the impaction sampler and the collection media in one sampling device. The BioCassette™ is one of only a few samplers validated against the A6 for efficiency in viable sampling collection. You can be confident using the BioCassette™ to perform viable air sampling.
Accessories available for the BioCassette™ include: a tripod adapter and a calibrator.
Best Regards,
EMLab P&K
For more information about sampling equipment and supplies, contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Particle Counters and Microbial Investigations
Laser particle counters can be used as tool with microbial investigations. Particle counters count all types of particles and can have significant value to microbial remediators, investigators, and consultants. Laser particle counters can be utilized by microbial investigators for a number of applications, including determining sampling times and for a first indication that microbial remediation projects may pass post-remediation evaluations.
Sampling times may not be the same in all sampling locations. A laser particle counter can assist in determining the length of sampling time that best represents each area when compared with other regions. If you are well experienced, you can simply rely on your field experience. However, if you have less field knowledge or find yourself in unfamiliar sampling conditions, you may find the relative numbers from a laser particle counter very helpful in determining how long to sample or even where to take the sample.
In microbial remediation projects, all parties may benefit when using the laser particle counter as an indicator that the aerosolized debris has been adequately purged prior to actually submitting post-remediation verification sampling for laboratory analysis. The microbial remediation supervisor should compare laser particle counts conducted inside the remediation containment to those conducted outside the remediation containment. This provides a real-time indicator that all aerosolized microbial and non-microbial debris were adequately purged before conducting the final cleaning regimen and third-party validation. Laser particle counters can also help determine the collection efficiency of HEPA filters, thus eliminating the possibility of disposing filters before their full use.
EMLab P&K Products offers a full line of handheld laser particle counters from major manufacturers like Airy Technology, Fluke and Lighthouse. Most laser handheld particle counters offer three or six channel counting modes and some units even measure temperature and humidity with data-logging. If you want help deciding which particle counter is right for you, contact EMLab P&K Products.
Best Regards,
EMLab P&K
To learn more about particle counters or other testing equipment, contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.
Sampling times may not be the same in all sampling locations. A laser particle counter can assist in determining the length of sampling time that best represents each area when compared with other regions. If you are well experienced, you can simply rely on your field experience. However, if you have less field knowledge or find yourself in unfamiliar sampling conditions, you may find the relative numbers from a laser particle counter very helpful in determining how long to sample or even where to take the sample.
In microbial remediation projects, all parties may benefit when using the laser particle counter as an indicator that the aerosolized debris has been adequately purged prior to actually submitting post-remediation verification sampling for laboratory analysis. The microbial remediation supervisor should compare laser particle counts conducted inside the remediation containment to those conducted outside the remediation containment. This provides a real-time indicator that all aerosolized microbial and non-microbial debris were adequately purged before conducting the final cleaning regimen and third-party validation. Laser particle counters can also help determine the collection efficiency of HEPA filters, thus eliminating the possibility of disposing filters before their full use.
EMLab P&K Products offers a full line of handheld laser particle counters from major manufacturers like Airy Technology, Fluke and Lighthouse. Most laser handheld particle counters offer three or six channel counting modes and some units even measure temperature and humidity with data-logging. If you want help deciding which particle counter is right for you, contact EMLab P&K Products.
Best Regards,
EMLab P&K
To learn more about particle counters or other testing equipment, contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
How the IAQ Industry Uses Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging has been used by the military to detect and identify enemy personnel, equipment, and buildings for years. Helicopters, fighter jets and even some missiles use thermal imaging for targeting and reconnaissance. Law enforcement agencies also use this technology for everything from tracking criminals at night to rescuing citizens and pets.
In the building industry, thermal imaging has been used to find problems with building materials, such as hidden water leaks, HVAC leaks, missing insulation, and faulty electrical and mechanical systems. For example, thermal imaging can help you locate loose fuse connections and overheated breaker boxes, or determine if there is energy loss due to poor insulation, bad weather stripping around entryways or refrigeration units.
The IAQ industry has been using thermal imaging over the past 5 years for "vision" during environmental investigations. Now you can examine roofs, floors, and walls for moisture intrusion. This technology does not use x-ray capabilities. Instead, it uses the differences in surface temperature to pinpoint problems and presents the results in a colorimetric scale on screen. Infrared cameras cannot detect mold. However, it can detect the temperature differences of moisture often associated with mold growth and condensation problems. You need to use a moisture meter to confirm that the temperature difference is indeed moisture.
Infrared cameras can also be an asset to remediation and restoration contractors. If walls are not dried completely, microbial problems can continue to occur. The infrared camera can help you determine if a wall has dried properly after remediation, saving you time and money by avoiding revisits.
Some thermal imaging cameras come with features such as viewing picture-in-picture, saving jpeg images, and downloading capabilities. Thermal imaging cameras are quickly becoming a common tool to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of IAQ investigations and home inspections.
EMLab P&K offers thermal imaging cameras from two quality manufacturers Fluke and Flir/Extech. If you have questions about thermal imaging cameras, contact EMLab P&K Products. We are happy to assist you.
Best Regards,
EMLab P&K Products
To learn more about thermal imaging cameras or other environmental testing products and analytical services, please contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.
In the building industry, thermal imaging has been used to find problems with building materials, such as hidden water leaks, HVAC leaks, missing insulation, and faulty electrical and mechanical systems. For example, thermal imaging can help you locate loose fuse connections and overheated breaker boxes, or determine if there is energy loss due to poor insulation, bad weather stripping around entryways or refrigeration units.
The IAQ industry has been using thermal imaging over the past 5 years for "vision" during environmental investigations. Now you can examine roofs, floors, and walls for moisture intrusion. This technology does not use x-ray capabilities. Instead, it uses the differences in surface temperature to pinpoint problems and presents the results in a colorimetric scale on screen. Infrared cameras cannot detect mold. However, it can detect the temperature differences of moisture often associated with mold growth and condensation problems. You need to use a moisture meter to confirm that the temperature difference is indeed moisture.
Infrared cameras can also be an asset to remediation and restoration contractors. If walls are not dried completely, microbial problems can continue to occur. The infrared camera can help you determine if a wall has dried properly after remediation, saving you time and money by avoiding revisits.
Some thermal imaging cameras come with features such as viewing picture-in-picture, saving jpeg images, and downloading capabilities. Thermal imaging cameras are quickly becoming a common tool to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of IAQ investigations and home inspections.
EMLab P&K offers thermal imaging cameras from two quality manufacturers Fluke and Flir/Extech. If you have questions about thermal imaging cameras, contact EMLab P&K Products. We are happy to assist you.
Best Regards,
EMLab P&K Products
To learn more about thermal imaging cameras or other environmental testing products and analytical services, please contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Should Borescopes Be A Part of Your Investigation?
Technology sure is a wonderful thing. It can improve our lifestyles and everyday life. It can also take portions of our job and make it easier therefore improving productivity and efficiency. The borescope is an item that technology has impacted recently making it an affordable instrument for any IAQ Professional to use in any of their inspections.
What is a Borescope?
A borescope is an optical device that has a flexible or rigid shaft with an objective lens at one end. The lens is connected by a relay system to an eyepiece or a video screen. Only recently have borescopes had adjustable LED lighting and the ability to record images or video on an internal memory or flash card. Some borescopes even have extensions that can be added to the shaft to access those really hard-to-reach areas.
Who uses a Borescope?
Professionals are using borescopes for a wide variety of jobs such as inspecting wall cavities for moisture, insect infestation, electrical wiring and water pipe location. Other applications include inspecting ducts and obscured areas behind motors and compressors; automotive access around tight engine bays; safety and security inspections, welding inspections, and industrial machinery inspections.
Why Use a Borescope?
Technology has recently made this instrument easy to use and very affordable. A borescope can help you easily get to those hard-to-reach areas during an inspection therefore potentially reducing the amount of time during inspection which may save you money. They can also be used in conjunction with an Inner Wall Sampling device to inspect inside a wall cavity if there is suspicion of microbial contamination.
EMLab P&K offers a wide variety of borescopes. From the traditional eyepiece borescope such as the Flexible Fiber Scope to video borescopes such as the Testo Video Pro Inspection Scope and the Extech™ Wireless Video Borescopes. Choosing the correct borescope may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type and a variety of prices. www.emlab.com/store has a full selection of borescopes as well as other useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
To learn more about borescopes and other environmental testing products, or analytical services please contact EMLab P&K Products Division at (888)836-5227 or visit our website at www.emlab.com or email products@emlabpk.com.
Limited Time Special Offer!
Purchase an Extech™ Wireless Video Borescope from EMLab P&K and receive a FREE Extension Cable! A $50 value! Hurry, this offer is valid until December 31, 2010
What is a Borescope?
A borescope is an optical device that has a flexible or rigid shaft with an objective lens at one end. The lens is connected by a relay system to an eyepiece or a video screen. Only recently have borescopes had adjustable LED lighting and the ability to record images or video on an internal memory or flash card. Some borescopes even have extensions that can be added to the shaft to access those really hard-to-reach areas.
Who uses a Borescope?
Professionals are using borescopes for a wide variety of jobs such as inspecting wall cavities for moisture, insect infestation, electrical wiring and water pipe location. Other applications include inspecting ducts and obscured areas behind motors and compressors; automotive access around tight engine bays; safety and security inspections, welding inspections, and industrial machinery inspections.
Why Use a Borescope?
Technology has recently made this instrument easy to use and very affordable. A borescope can help you easily get to those hard-to-reach areas during an inspection therefore potentially reducing the amount of time during inspection which may save you money. They can also be used in conjunction with an Inner Wall Sampling device to inspect inside a wall cavity if there is suspicion of microbial contamination.
EMLab P&K offers a wide variety of borescopes. From the traditional eyepiece borescope such as the Flexible Fiber Scope to video borescopes such as the Testo Video Pro Inspection Scope and the Extech™ Wireless Video Borescopes. Choosing the correct borescope may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type and a variety of prices. www.emlab.com/store has a full selection of borescopes as well as other useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
To learn more about borescopes and other environmental testing products, or analytical services please contact EMLab P&K Products Division at (888)836-5227 or visit our website at www.emlab.com or email products@emlabpk.com.
Limited Time Special Offer!
Purchase an Extech™ Wireless Video Borescope from EMLab P&K and receive a FREE Extension Cable! A $50 value! Hurry, this offer is valid until December 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Complete Guide to Moisture Meters
Moisture meters have been used by many different types of home and building professionals for a number of years. While the technology of moisture meters has changed significantly over the past few years, the reason for using them has not.
Why Use a Moisture Meter?
Moisture is a highly important factor which affects the integrity of homes and buildings and using a moisture meter can allow an inspector to locate the moisture source and determine the amount of moisture present. Some of the surfaces that can be measured with a moisture meter include wood, drywall, plaster, block, brick, siding and roofing materials. Having an increased amount of moisture in these materials can possibly lead to safety issues such as decay, mold and a decrease of structural integrity.
Moisture meters can also be used to see if building materials are dry enough to be utilized in construction. During construction even concrete slabs are measured for moisture content by testing relative humidity before the flooring is laid down.
Different Types of Moisture Meters
There are two different types of moisture meters that a professional can choose from and the selection between the two depends on the material being tested and the parameters of the inspection.
The Pin Type (invasive) moisture meter uses electrical conductance principles to measure the moisture level of the material between two electrodes. One advantage of pin type meters is the ability to penetrate deep into the material of the surface you are testing, resulting in a more accurate reading. This can all depend on the type of materials being tested as well. One downfall of pin type moister meter is it can leave small holes in some materials such as wood, drywall and plaster.
The Pin-Less Type (non-invasive) moisture meters use a radio frequency transceiver to give relative readings within the material. This moisture meter works much like a stud finder and although it is less invasive than its counterpart, some pin-less type moisture meters can give false positive readings. The false positive readings are due to the presence and reflective properties of steel studs behind a wall cavity, as well as false readings of moisture below the surface of the material if surface moisture is present.
There are some moisture meters that offer both Pin and Pin-Less measurement modes. These units can switch between the different modes and can add both flexibility and accuracy during an inspection. Choosing the correct meter may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of moisture meter with a wide variety of prices. EMLabPK.com has a full selection of moisture meters including useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
For any additional questions about moisture meters or other indoor air quality testing products or supplies please feel free to contact EMLab P&K Products at 888.836.5227 or email at products@emlabpk.com.
Why Use a Moisture Meter?
Moisture is a highly important factor which affects the integrity of homes and buildings and using a moisture meter can allow an inspector to locate the moisture source and determine the amount of moisture present. Some of the surfaces that can be measured with a moisture meter include wood, drywall, plaster, block, brick, siding and roofing materials. Having an increased amount of moisture in these materials can possibly lead to safety issues such as decay, mold and a decrease of structural integrity.
Moisture meters can also be used to see if building materials are dry enough to be utilized in construction. During construction even concrete slabs are measured for moisture content by testing relative humidity before the flooring is laid down.
Different Types of Moisture Meters
There are two different types of moisture meters that a professional can choose from and the selection between the two depends on the material being tested and the parameters of the inspection.
The Pin Type (invasive) moisture meter uses electrical conductance principles to measure the moisture level of the material between two electrodes. One advantage of pin type meters is the ability to penetrate deep into the material of the surface you are testing, resulting in a more accurate reading. This can all depend on the type of materials being tested as well. One downfall of pin type moister meter is it can leave small holes in some materials such as wood, drywall and plaster.
The Pin-Less Type (non-invasive) moisture meters use a radio frequency transceiver to give relative readings within the material. This moisture meter works much like a stud finder and although it is less invasive than its counterpart, some pin-less type moisture meters can give false positive readings. The false positive readings are due to the presence and reflective properties of steel studs behind a wall cavity, as well as false readings of moisture below the surface of the material if surface moisture is present.
There are some moisture meters that offer both Pin and Pin-Less measurement modes. These units can switch between the different modes and can add both flexibility and accuracy during an inspection. Choosing the correct meter may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of moisture meter with a wide variety of prices. EMLabPK.com has a full selection of moisture meters including useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
For any additional questions about moisture meters or other indoor air quality testing products or supplies please feel free to contact EMLab P&K Products at 888.836.5227 or email at products@emlabpk.com.
Friday, June 18, 2010
EMLab P&K Performs Bacterial Analysis for Rachael Ray Show, Testing Old Makeup and Beauty Products
EMLab P&K recently provided bacterial analysis and microbial consulting for the Emmy Award-winning Rachael Ray Show.
San Bruno, CA, June 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Recently the Emmy Award-winning Rachael Ray Show contacted EMLab P&K for bacterial analysis. The show wanted to prove that old makeup and beauty supplies harbor bacteria and could be potentially harmful to the user.
EMLab P&K provided microbiology analysis and microbial consulting for the Rachael Ray Show. EMLab P&K tested several beauty products and ran state-of-the-art bacterial speciation tests along with E.coli, fecal and total coliform tests for each sample. The results of the bacteria tests can be viewed in the segment "Is Your Makeup Making You Sick?" on Rachael Ray's website at:
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/hidden-germs-your-beauty-products/
The Rachael Ray Show relied heavily upon EMLab P&K's expertise and timely bacterial analysis. EMLab P&K demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in assisting clients with special projects that are not common. With superior service and state-of-the-art Microbial Identification System (MIDI), EMLab P&K was able to accommodate all the needs of the Rachael Ray Show in a timely manner.
"The Rachael Ray Show put their trust in EMLab P&K for our excellent client service and for our high quality, accurate bacterial analysis," said Phil Robertson, Regional Account Manager at EMLab P&K. "We are glad to support a show of this credibility and magnitude."
EMLab P&K supports a diversified client base including IAQ consultants, industrial hygienists, environmental specialists, mold remediation contractors, HVAC contractors, hospitals, medical professionals, building owners, commercial property managers, home inspectors, engineering and construction firms, and insurance, real estate and legal professionals. Clients also include government and university researchers as well as federal, state, and local government health departments throughout the United States.
About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs.
San Bruno, CA, June 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Recently the Emmy Award-winning Rachael Ray Show contacted EMLab P&K for bacterial analysis. The show wanted to prove that old makeup and beauty supplies harbor bacteria and could be potentially harmful to the user.
EMLab P&K provided microbiology analysis and microbial consulting for the Rachael Ray Show. EMLab P&K tested several beauty products and ran state-of-the-art bacterial speciation tests along with E.coli, fecal and total coliform tests for each sample. The results of the bacteria tests can be viewed in the segment "Is Your Makeup Making You Sick?" on Rachael Ray's website at:
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/hidden-germs-your-beauty-products/
The Rachael Ray Show relied heavily upon EMLab P&K's expertise and timely bacterial analysis. EMLab P&K demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in assisting clients with special projects that are not common. With superior service and state-of-the-art Microbial Identification System (MIDI), EMLab P&K was able to accommodate all the needs of the Rachael Ray Show in a timely manner.
"The Rachael Ray Show put their trust in EMLab P&K for our excellent client service and for our high quality, accurate bacterial analysis," said Phil Robertson, Regional Account Manager at EMLab P&K. "We are glad to support a show of this credibility and magnitude."
EMLab P&K supports a diversified client base including IAQ consultants, industrial hygienists, environmental specialists, mold remediation contractors, HVAC contractors, hospitals, medical professionals, building owners, commercial property managers, home inspectors, engineering and construction firms, and insurance, real estate and legal professionals. Clients also include government and university researchers as well as federal, state, and local government health departments throughout the United States.
About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Air-O-Cell Contest Winners
EMLab P&K is happy to announce the winners of our Air-O-Cell contest!
The winner of 25 Air-O-Cells from MoldReport is Krista D. of Superior Mold Testing. The winner of 50 Air-O-Cells from EMLab P&K is Christine S. of Hardware Creations.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Look for other contests and promotions coming soon from E-Blasts, Facebook and Twitter!
The winner of 25 Air-O-Cells from MoldReport is Krista D. of Superior Mold Testing. The winner of 50 Air-O-Cells from EMLab P&K is Christine S. of Hardware Creations.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Look for other contests and promotions coming soon from E-Blasts, Facebook and Twitter!
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