MOULD MYCOTOXINS BACTERIA

ERMI for Mould Species

The ERMI test involves the analysis of a single sample of dust from a home. The sample is analysed using mould-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR), a highly specific DNA-based method for quantifying mould species and identifying toxic moulds. A simple algorithm is used to calculate a ratio of water damage-related species to common indoor moulds and the resulting score is called the Environmental Relative Mouldiness Index or ERMI.

Air Sampling for Total Mould Spores (Genus)

Spore traps are a unique sampling device designed for the rapid collection and analyses of a wide range of airborne contaminates, including fungal spores. We use spore traps as a risk assessment to establish the presence of airborne mould spores within your property which may help to pinpoint the source of mould when none is visible. The traps are sent to an accredited laboratory in America, with highly trained mycologists, and results shown as a total spore counter cubic metre. Although these samples show mould genus and not Species, results can be compared to ambient in order find potentially toxic mould at elevated levels to identify areas of concern. 

DNA HOUSE TEST

A new DNA analysis for toxigenic moulds can deomstrate the extent of problematic mould growth in buildings. DNA molecules are part of living organisms. Dust contains spores and fragments of mould, so sampling and analysing dust allows for the analysis of mould. Each species of mould has a unique DNA sequence. Meaning that analysing the DNA of mould reveals what species that mould belongs to. Using qPCR method of analysis also reveals the quantity of each species in each sample.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals that are present in spores and small fragments of mould that are released into the air and dust. Bioanalytical test performed with the high sensitivity LC/MS/MS ion-trap technology to detected and quantify Mycotoxins.

Actinomycetes (Gram Positive Bacteria)

The most frequent species of bacteria found in buildings damaged by water are actinomycetes, this is the type of bacteria that produces biotoxins similar to mycotoxins in the mould. The Actinomycetes test selects the 40 main species of Actinomycetes in the sample to create a score of actinos in a Building Related Illness situation.

Endotoxins (Gram Negative Bacteria)

Endotoxins are derived from the cell walls of Gram Negative bacteria. Gram Negative bacteria are found almost anywhere in nature. Their toxins are found within the outer layer membrane of the GNB cell wall. They do not have to be living, therefore both viable and non-viable gram-negative bacteria contribute endotoxins. The most common routes of endotoxin exposure are through inhalation, or through intestinal tract absorption through food or water. The health effect of endotoxins varies depending on the individual, dosage, and route of exposure. Elevated airborne concentrations are prevalent in sewage treatment plants, swine operations, cotton textile mills, poultry houses and in water damaged and flood contaminated buildings.  

Please contact Mould Focus for all sampling enquiries.

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