Air-O-Cell Cassette for Mold and Indoor Air Quality Sampling
The Air-O-Cell Cassette is one of the most widely used sampling devices for collecting airborne particles during mold investigations and indoor air quality assessments. Environmental professionals, mold inspectors, industrial hygienists, restoration contractors, building consultants and other indoor environmental professionals use Air-O-Cell cassettes to collect airborne fungal spores and other particulates for microscopic laboratory analysis.
EMSL Analytical provides laboratory analysis of Air-O-Cell samples and offers sampling supplies to help professionals perform efficient air quality investigations.
What Is an Air-O-Cell Cassette?
An Air-O-Cell cassette is a disposable air sampling device designed to capture airborne particles onto an adhesive collection surface.
When connected to a calibrated air sampling pump, a measured volume of air is drawn through the cassette. Airborne particles impact the collection media inside the cassette, creating a sample that can be submitted to a laboratory for microscopic examination.
Air-O-Cell sampling can help identify and quantify airborne particles such as:
Because multiple types of airborne material can be collected during a single sampling event, Air-O-Cell cassettes are commonly used during indoor air quality and mold investigations.
Air-O-Cell Cassette Mold Testing
Air-O-Cell cassettes are frequently used for airborne mold testing.
A trained investigator typically collects one or more indoor air samples and may also collect an outdoor comparison sample. The samples are then submitted to a laboratory for microscopic examination.
Laboratory analysis can provide information about the types and concentrations of fungal spores present in the sampled air.
Common fungal categories that may be observed include:
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores
Cladosporium
Alternaria
Chaetomium
Stachybotrys
Basidiospores
Ascospores
Rusts and smuts
Other fungal spores
Results can help environmental professionals evaluate airborne fungal conditions at the time and location of sampling.
How Air-O-Cell Sampling Works
Air sampling is generally performed using a calibrated pump connected to the Air-O-Cell cassette.
A typical sampling process includes:
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Remove the protective seals from the cassette.
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Connect the Air-O-Cell cassette to an appropriate air sampling pump.
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Position the cassette in the sampling area.
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Collect a predetermined volume of air using the appropriate flow rate and sampling duration.
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Replace the protective seals after sampling.
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Label the cassette with the sample identification information.
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Submit the cassette to an accredited or qualified laboratory for analysis.
Sampling conditions, flow rate and sampling duration should be selected by the investigator based on the objectives of the assessment and applicable sampling guidance.
Air-O-Cell Laboratory Analysis
Once received by the laboratory, Air-O-Cell samples can be examined using microscopy to identify and count airborne fungal spores and other particulates collected on the sampling surface.
Laboratory reports may include:
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Fungal spore identification
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Raw particle or spore counts
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Calculated concentrations
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Total fungal spores
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Other observed particulates
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Sample-specific laboratory observations
Laboratory results should be interpreted together with site conditions, moisture observations, building history and other information collected during the investigation.
Who Uses Air-O-Cell Cassettes?
Air-O-Cell sampling is commonly performed by professionals involved with indoor environmental investigations, including:
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Mold inspectors
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Indoor air quality consultants
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Industrial hygienists
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Environmental consultants
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Home inspectors
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Restoration contractors
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Property managers
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Facility managers
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Insurance investigators
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Building consultants
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Occupational health and safety professionals
Air sampling may be performed in homes, schools, office buildings, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, hotels, apartments, industrial facilities and other occupied spaces.
Air-O-Cell Cassettes for Indoor Air Quality Testing
Air-O-Cell cassettes can be useful when investigating complaints involving:
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Visible mold growth
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Water damage
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Musty odors
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Roof leaks
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Plumbing leaks
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Flooding
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Elevated indoor humidity
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HVAC contamination concerns
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Post-remediation verification
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Indoor air quality complaints
Air sampling represents conditions during the sampling period and should generally be considered one component of a broader indoor environmental investigation.
Indoor and Outdoor Air Samples
Outdoor air samples are often collected during mold investigations to provide information about naturally occurring outdoor fungal spores.
Indoor sample results can then be considered together with outdoor conditions and observations from the building investigation.
Because fungal spore concentrations can change with weather, season, ventilation, activity and other environmental factors, laboratory results should be interpreted by a qualified professional familiar with the building and sampling conditions.
Air-O-Cell Sampling for Post-Remediation Assessments
Air-O-Cell cassettes are also commonly used during post-remediation verification and clearance assessments after mold remediation or water damage restoration projects.
Sampling may help investigators evaluate airborne conditions following cleaning and remediation activities.
Post-remediation evaluations may also include:
The appropriate assessment strategy depends on the conditions and objectives of the project.
Order Air-O-Cell Cassettes and Sampling Supplies
EMSL Analytical provides environmental professionals with access to a wide range of indoor air quality and mold sampling supplies.
Available sampling equipment and supplies may include:
Contact your local EMSL laboratory or customer service representative for current product availability and sampling information.
Air-O-Cell Cassette Analysis at EMSL Analytical
EMSL Analytical provides environmental microbiology and indoor air quality laboratory services for professionals throughout the United States and internationally.
Our laboratories support environmental consultants, industrial hygienists, mold inspectors, restoration professionals, facility managers and other professionals involved in indoor environmental investigations.
Services may include analysis of:
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Air-O-Cell cassettes
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Other spore trap samples
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Surface samples
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Tape lifts
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Swabs
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Bulk materials
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Dust samples
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Water samples
Why Choose EMSL Analytical?
EMSL has provided environmental laboratory testing services for decades and supports customers through an extensive network of laboratory locations.
Customers rely on EMSL for:
Experienced laboratory professionals
Access to specialists in microbiology, microscopy, indoor air quality and environmental testing.
Laboratory locations across the country
Convenient sample submission options for environmental professionals.
Sampling supplies
Air sampling cassettes and other environmental sampling supplies are available through participating EMSL locations.
Technical support
Laboratory personnel can assist customers with questions concerning sample submission, analytical methods and sampling supplies.
Multiple environmental testing services
In addition to mold analysis, EMSL laboratories provide testing for asbestos, bacteria, Legionella, allergens, lead, silica, VOCs, combustion by-products and numerous other environmental contaminants.
Air-O-Cell Cassette Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Air-O-Cell cassette test for?
Air-O-Cell cassettes collect airborne particles that can be examined microscopically. They are commonly used to evaluate fungal spores as well as pollen, fibers and other airborne particulates.
Can an Air-O-Cell cassette detect mold?
Yes. Air-O-Cell cassettes are commonly used during airborne mold investigations to collect fungal spores for microscopic identification and counting.
How is an Air-O-Cell cassette analyzed?
The cassette is submitted to a laboratory where the collection surface is examined using microscopy. Fungal spores and other particles can then be identified and counted.
Do I need an air sampling pump?
Yes. Air-O-Cell sampling normally requires an appropriate air sampling pump capable of operating at the flow rate specified for the sampling procedure.
How long should an Air-O-Cell sample be collected?
Sampling duration depends on the sampling flow rate, environmental conditions and investigation objectives. Investigators should follow manufacturer instructions and appropriate professional sampling procedures.
Where can I buy Air-O-Cell cassettes?
Air-O-Cell cassettes and other mold sampling supplies may be available through EMSL Analytical laboratory locations and environmental sampling equipment suppliers.
Where can I send an Air-O-Cell cassette for analysis?
Air-O-Cell samples can be submitted to EMSL Analytical laboratories that provide environmental microbiology and fungal spore analysis. Contact EMSL before submission to confirm laboratory services, turnaround options and sample shipping requirements.
Air-O-Cell Cassette Testing Near You
With laboratory locations serving customers throughout the United States, EMSL makes it convenient for environmental professionals to submit Air-O-Cell cassette samples for laboratory analysis.
Contact your nearest EMSL Analytical laboratory for information about:
Contact EMSL Analytical
Need Air-O-Cell cassettes, mold sampling supplies or laboratory analysis?
Contact EMSL Analytical to locate a laboratory, obtain sampling supplies or discuss your Air-O-Cell sample analysis needs.
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