Significance and Use
This test method is used to estimate and categorize the number and type of fungal structures present on an inertial impactor sample.
Fungal structures are identified and quantified regardless of whether they would or would not grow in culture.
It must be emphasized that the detector in this method is the analyst, and therefore results are subjective, depending on the experience, training, qualification, and mental and optical fatigue of the analyst.
Scope
1.1 This test method is a procedure that uses direct microscopy to analyze the deposit on an inertial impaction sample.
1.2 This test method describes procedures for categorizing and enumerating fungal structures by morphological type. Typically, categories may be as small as genus (for example, Cladosporium) or as large as phylum (for example, basidiospores).
1.3 This method contains two procedures for enumerating fungal structures: one for slit impaction samples and one for circular impaction samples. This test method is applicable for impaction air samples, for which a known volume of air (at a rate as recommended by the manufacturer) has been drawn, and is also applicable for blank impaction samples.
1.4 Enumeration results are presented in fungal structures/sample (fs/sample) and fungal structures/m3 (fs/m3).
1.5 The range of enumeration results that can be determined with this method depends on the size of the spores on the sample trace, the amount of particulate matter on the sample trace, the percentage of the sample trace counted, and the volume of air sampled.
1.6 This method addresses only the analysis of samples. The sampling process and interpretation of results is outside the scope of this method.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
