Using Adhesive Tape to Collect Mold Samples: Guide to Good Practices

TAPE & BULK SAMPLING & TESTS for MOLD - Tape & bulk sampling tests for mold contamination or mold identification in buildings: how to collect building dust, debris, or particles for identification using clear adhesive tape
- How to use adhesive tape for mold identification samples
- How to use adhesive tape to screen building dust for mold or other particulate contaminants
- Use of adhesive tape to trace building dust particles to their source
- Why is tape sampling preferred during building air quality or mold investigations?
- Limitations of tape sampling for mold or other building particles
MOLD CULTURE TEST KIT VALIDITY - separate article
MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE - separate article: read this before hiring someone
TEST KITS for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLE TESTS - separate article
SWAB & PCR SAMPLING & TESTS for MOLD - separate article
SAMPLING DRYWALL - separate article
VACUUM CASSETTE FILTER SAMPLE TESTS for DUST / MOLD - separate article
Questions & answers about using tape or bulk sampling for mold tests
References

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How to use adhesive tape to sample building dust, mold, or surfaces for particle identification: this article explains the advantages and shortcomings of using adhesive tape to collect mold test samples (or virtually any other other dust or particle samples) from indoor surfaces. In this article series we discuss the validity of nearly all of the popular mold testing methods currently in use, pointing out the strengths and weakness of each approach to mold sampling in the indoor environment.

We discuss the use and limitations of bulk, surface, or tape sampling for mold testing in buildings. Bulk samples are samples of material taken by direct scrape onto glass slides, by processing of sample materials, by pressing clear cellophane tape on a surface, or by using a special cassette and vacuum pump to vacuum a surface. With owner permission, a sample of actual surface material is occasionally removed and brought to the lab for further analysis. Readers should also see MOLD LEVELS on SURFACES where we describe "How to Report Mold Levels on Building Surfaces Using Tape Samples of Indoor Surfaces and Indoor Mold "

Before you buy an over-the-counter or mail-in home test kit for mold you should read this article about using simple clear Scotch tape® in a simple dust or surface or mold sampling procedure that uses very inexpensive materials and, with intelligent selection of sample surfaces, can produce results of superior accuracy.

Recommendations for Using Tape sampling for Testing Buildings for Toxic Black (or other) Mold

15th Annual North Carolina/South Carolina
Environmental Information Association Technical Conference
Myrtle Beach, SC
Daniel Friedman 23 September 2005, Updated 4/14/2009

This article series presents a summary and critique of some popular methods used to examine indoor air quality to test for presence or absence of problematic levels of toxic or allergenic mold or other bioaerosols. Our page top photo demonstrates that the tape sampling location is critical for accurate identification of particles or mold types in a building - each of the three tapes in this photograph collected an entirely different genera/species of mold. We describe and critique specific "testing" or "sampling" methods used to "test" buildings for mold in the course of a building investigation. The appropriateness of testing at all is discussed on this and other pages at our website.

TEST KITS for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLE TESTS provides a detailed, step by step guide to using clear adhesive tape to collect particles from building surfaces to test a building for a history of exposure to airborne (and dust) presence of allergens, animals (dogs, cats, mice, rats, others), asbestos, cockroaches, dust mites, fiberglass, insect fragments, pollen, soot, or mold. Building dust samples can also be used to trace dust or problem particles to their source, such as insulation from damaged duct work, or in some cases, failing HVAC equipment.

What is Tape Sampling for Mold?

Bulk or surface samples are a key determinant in evaluating building condition, provided they are collected strategically and in accompaniment of a careful visual inspection using good inspection methodology. A casual look may find obvious black spores but miss more problematic light-colored fungal colonies; a colony can, of course be hidden behind building walls or ceilings or under furniture.

Since random bulk samples offer a high rate of false-negative (no problem) findings, they are not particularly useful. Samples are collected based on clues found during the visual inspection, and are collected in multiples if variations in mold appearance or growth substrate make it likely that multiple species are present in a given area.

Other samples, such as of surface dust, are collected from sources known from experience to be more likely to represent ongoing conditions in the building.

These samples are examined to determine the dominant types of particles present. When dominant particles are allergenic or toxic, further investigation or cleaning are needed. In some cases, recurrent presence of low levels of unusual particles (by species or type) may also indicate a hidden problem in the building.

Inspectors or consumers who require examination of special samples (i.e. samples not on clear cellophane tape, vacuum cassette, or slides) should contact us to make arrangements before shipping such samples to our lab. In addition to preparing high-power light-microscope slides from special samples, we may use both stereo zoom microscopy and in some instances the construction of special particle-removal apparatus to study special samples.

Clear cellophane tape is pressed into a sampled surface, then removed and affixed to a clean surface such as a plastic bag or a microscope slide for mailing to a lab. The lab prepares the tape for microscopic examination. For mold genera and species identification the tape is examined in the laboratory. Tape samples can also be cultured (see Culture discussion below). This is the least-expensive collection method available, and is a preferred tool.

See TEST KITS for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLE TESTS for a detailed procedure using this particle sampling method.

Using clear adhesive tape pressed into a surface to be tested is the first choice recommended method for identifying mold in a building, particularly when combined with visual inspection as part of a mold investigation, per AIHA and other expert sources. This method permits rapid identification of genera (family name) and very often species (individual member name), particularly when the mold sampled has uniquely-identifiable spores or where the sample collects the conidiophore or spore-producing body as well.

In some cases genera determination alone is quite sufficient as the some of the common problem-genera (Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp.) do not have non-problematic members which grow in buildings. Speciation is more likely to be needed when doing medical diagnosis. Tape samples can also be cultured if additional speciation is needed. Since tapes can collect the conidiophores and hyphae (when tape spot is chosen with some thought) they give more data than an air or vacuum sample.

For building where large amounts of mold are found or suspected, tape sampling is a qualitative approach which is usually quite successful in addressing the basic question: is there a problematic genera which requires professional remediation? Combined with a visual inspection to locate target areas of risk and to find visible problems, it is the most essential component of a building mold investigation and is the method recommended by experts writing in the field and by the AIHA's own training materials.

Tape samples are the preferred method of collecting surface samples in buildings. Tape pressed into appropriate portions of suspected mold growing on a surface collects the most material from the surface and often includes sufficient structural material to identify the dominant problematic genera and species present.

A properly collected sample is likely to contain both fungal conidia, conidiophores, and hyphae, the latter two of which are important aids for speciation. Tape samples of building dust and even tape samples of moldy carpet are also generally useful in this manner but have some limitations discussed below.

Because mold test validity and mold test accuracy are often confused, readers should also see ACCURACY OF VARIOUS MOLD TEST METHODS. People who need to conduct mold inspection and testing indoors should see MOLD TEST PROCEDURES and TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES.

A Guide to Using Tape Sampling for Determination of Mold genera and Mold species:

Nearly all building mold genera can be determined by light microscopic examination of tape samples. In the majority of building investigation cases the key question is "is there a problematic genera (toxic or allergenic) requiring containment and professional remediation?"

This can almost always be completely answered from genera alone. This is because within the more common troublemakers, their non-problematic member species may not occur in buildings. For example, Penicillium notatum, used for the drug penicillin, does not grow in buildings! If you find Penicillium sp. in a building in quantity it needs to be remediated.

Aspergillus niger in tape sample (C) Daniel Friedman

Speciation of many mold genera can also be determined from tape sample material alone in many but certainly not 100% of cases. Some examples of easily speciated molds from among the most common genera and species found in buildings: Cladosporium sphaerospermum, C. cladosporioides, Ulocladium chartarum, Taeoniella rudus, Pithomyces chartarum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Chaetomium globosum, Chaetomium aureum, Aspergillus niger are just a few examples.

Our photo (left) shows a nicely preserved conidiophore of Aspergillus niger on an adhesive tape sample.

A good mold tape sample which collects the conidiophore and hyphae makes speciation possible for many molds. Many other airborne spores appear in buildings and can be similarly speciated, but are not building molds. Other airborne molds such as the Aspergillus and Penicillium families are probably a sufficient hazard in buildings that if they are present in a large reservoir, speciation is not needed to decide to remediate.

Shortcomings of tape sampling tests for Toxic Mold:

Everything depends on where you stick the tape. Investigators and ordinary building occupants tend to collect that which is easy to see - "black mold" and may miss more important, more health-risky light-colored and highly airborne genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium) which are also present but more difficult to see. An expert looks for mold-suspect material that seems to represent the dominant presence in an area by color, texture, and growing surface material. It would be unusual for there to be only a single genera/species of mold in a mold-problem building. Looking and taping requires some guidance and education.
Some smaller airborne mold spores do not settle out of air rapidly and might appear equally as plated-out on walls as in dust on horizontal surfaces. In building inspection to search for an unidentified problem source, samples of surface dust may under-represent the presence of these molds, though where a substantial airborne presence exists we have always found a surface dust presence as well. By contrast, properly collected tape samples from visible mold growing on a surface does not suffer this shortcoming.
Speciation of genera may be needed for special medical diagnostic reasons. From spores alone in any sample method, two of the most widespread problematic genera can be speciated only to a few cases. (Aspergillus niger for example.) Therefore for medical use, tape speciation of some genera is too limited, in particular if the sample collects only spores - a problem which can occur if tape is pressed into dust rather than into an area of growing mold, or when tape of a mold colony is pressed into a spore-packed center of a mature colony instead at the edges where the new colony growth and conidiophores are easier to find. A little knowledge of mycology is useful to professional building inspectors.
When growing conditions become unfavorable some molds change form into an encysted or encapsulated dormant state, forming fungal perithecia, cleistothecia, or pycnidia which may be collected as "black stuff" from building surfaces (particularly wood). While often one finds identifiable material among perithecia that cant' be assured. Culturing of such samples may produce an identifiable fungus if by luck the right culture media is selected.
Tape sampling is qualitative, not quantitative. Most experts and competent labs will offer a description of the density of fungal material found in the sample using non-standardized terms like Level 1-2-3-4 or Light, Medium, Heavy, or Dominant, Present, and Incidental. These terms lack a standard definition but are of some use provided the lab has and can provide their own standard and definition.

In sum, the determination of the presence of a building mold problem (toxic or allergenic) vs. cosmetic mold can usually be made from tape samples alone. Tape samples are preferred by the most experienced and trained professionals in the aerobiology field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about using adhesive tape to sample settled dust, mold, or other particles

Question:

I am interested in finding out the content of dust particles I continue to get in my house for the last seven years. With Aprilaire high efficiency air filters on each of my units, I don't understand the where the dust is coming from. I'm thinking if I know the content makeup, it may help to determine the source. - need to know to collect a sample for content testing. - need to know the cost per sample. - D.W. 2/22/12

Reply:

Sure DW,

At TEST KITS for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLE TESTS you will read step by step suggestions about dust collection and sample mailing.

Lab test fees vary by test lab, typically between $25 & 50. U.S. per tape sample for tape samples of surface materials, particles, dust or mold analyzed by light microscopy. In the header section of that article you'll also find links to helpful tips on inspecting your home and choosing a sample location.

Be sure to take a look at MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE before hiring someone.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
Kansas State University, department of plant pathology, extension plant pathology web page on wheat rust fungus: see http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Wheat/Wheat%20Leaf%20Rust.asp
"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
US EPA - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [Copy on file at /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
US EPA - Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [Copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - en Espanol

"IgG Food Allergy Testing by ELISA/EIA, What do they really tell us?" Sheryl B. Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, Clinical Laboratory Director, Bastyr University Natural Health Clinic - ELISA testing accuracy: Here is an example of Miller's critique of ELISA http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/282.cfm - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
The critique included in that article raises compelling questions about IgG testing assays, which prompts our interest in actually screening for the presence of high levels of particles that could carry allergens - dog dander or cat dander in the case at hand.
http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html contains similar criticism in another venue but interestingly by the same author, Sheryl Miller. Sheryl Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, is an Immunologist and Associate Professor of Basic and Medical Sciences at Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. She is also the Laboratory Director of the Bastyr Natural Health Clinic Laboratory.
Allergens: Testing for the level of exposure to animal allergens is discussed at http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/animalallergy/diagnosis.shtml (lab animal exposure study is interesting because it involves a higher exposure level in some cases
Allergens: WebMD discusses allergy tests for humans at webmd.com/allergies/allergy-tests

Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 2nd Ed., GS deHoog, J Guarro, J Gene, & MJ Figueras, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 2000, ISBN 90-70351-43-9 (you can buy this book at Amazon) - The Atlas of Clinical Fungi is also available on CD ROM
"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
"Disease Prevention Program for Certain Vegetable Crops," David B. Langston, Jr., Extension Plant Pathologist - Vegetables, University of Georgia (PDF document) original source: www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/209797.html
"Disease Prevention in Home Vegetable Gardens," Patricia Donald, Department of Plant Microbiology and Pathology, Lewis Jett
Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6202
"Management of Powdery Mildew, Leveillula taurica, in Greenhouse Peppers," Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, British Columbia - Original source: www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/peppermildew.htm
Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our own technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
Fiberglass: Mold in Fiberglass Insulation© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF
Fifth Kingdom, Bryce Kendrick, ISBN13: 9781585100224, is available from the InspectAPedia online bookstore - we recommend the CD-ROM version of this book. This 3rd/edition is a compact but comprehensive encyclopedia of all things mycological. Every aspect of the fungi, from aflatoxin to zppspores, with an accessible blend of verve and wit. The 24 chapters are filled with up-to-date information of classification, yeast, lichens, spore dispersal, allergies, ecology, genetics, plant pathology, predatory fungi, biological control, mutualistic symbioses with animals and plants, fungi as food, food spoilage and mycotoxins.
Fungi, Identifying Filamentous, A Clinical Laboratory Handbook, Guy St-Germain, Richard Summerbell, Star Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0-89863-177-7 (English) (buy at Amazon)
US EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [Copy on file at /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
Mycology, Fundamentals of Diagnostic, Fran Fisher, Norma B. Cook, W.B. Saunders Co. 1998, ISBN 0-7216-5006-6 (buy this book at Amazon)
US EPA: Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [Copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - en Espanol

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd

Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
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