Mold Sampling
What Is It?
The MCheck sampling and analysis kit detects 16 fungal species associated with water damage, based on studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Among the 16 selected fungal species, 9 can produce toxins that can seriously affect occupants’ health. Even when dead or fragmented by mechanical action, mold and fungal particles remain harmful.
Additionally, traditional mold sampling and analysis methods using microscopy and/or culturing are very limited in terms of representativeness and sensitivity.
La trousse de prélèvement et d’analyse MCheck permet de pallier ces limitations grâce à l’utilisation d’une méthode d’analyse génétique à la fine pointe de la technologie utilisant la PCR en temps réel (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
Health Risks
Depending on the mold species and an individual’s health condition, exposure to mold can cause effects ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe immunological responses and infections.
Under favorable conditions, some mold species can grow and release toxins and secondary metabolites that may seriously harm occupants’ health.
When to Request This Analysis?
There are several reasons to request mold analysis on surfaces, including:
- To monitor the effectiveness of remediation work
- For legal reasons or disputes (e.g., hidden defects, quality of contractor work, etc.)
- When purchasing a property
Analysis
The analysis method uses real-time PCR DNA amplification technology to detect 16 fungal species associated with water damage, based on EPA studies, some of which produce toxins harmful to human health.
What is Real-Time PCR?
Real-time PCR is a highly sensitive and rapid molecular technique that tracks the DNA amplification process of target organisms as it happens, even when they are present in very low quantities. Amplification indicates the presence of the target organism, while no amplification means the organism is absent from the sample.
Advantages of the MCheck Service:
- Detection of 16 fungal species associated with water damage, including 9 toxin-producing species.
- Rapid results.
- Sensitive detection (down to a few DNA cells).
- Samples require no special handling or storage conditions.
Analysis Results
The analysis certificate reports the presence or absence of each of the 16 fungal species indicative of water damage.
The presence of a mold species is highlighted with a color code indicating its toxin potential. The certificate is accompanied by a microbiological glossary providing information about the detected species.
MCheck analysis results serve as indicators of potential fungal issues and help confirm the presence or absence of a problem.
