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Laboratory Services
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Biohazard
Control Laboratory Services Damage
Analysis
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Microbiological Analysis BIO-TEC, in conjunction with nationally accredited microbiology laboratories, routinely offers testing and analysis of fungi and environmental bacteria found in indoor environments. In addition, human commensal bacteria and thermophilic bacteria, as well as Legionella bacteria in water can also be analyzed. There are two types of microbiological samples that can be taken - aerosol and bulk. Aerosol samples are taken using either a 7- or 4-Plate protocol (plates are sample media that are coated with a type of agar media designed to enhance either fungal or bacterial growth under certain conditions), while bulk samples can be any of three types: water, solids (carpet, wallboard, insulation, etc.) or surface swabs (wipe). Normally, aerosol and bulk samples (with the exception of water samples for Legionella) are analyzed and results reported as the identification and quantification of the three most predominant types of fungi and/or environmental bacteria. Legionella analysis returns speciation, serogrouping and quantification, if Legionella is detected in the sample. Material Characterization and Analysis For our forensic evaluations, BIO-TEC works with accredited microscopy laboratories to help identify and characterize unknown materials. Materials are analyzed according to elemental methods and can incorporate the use of light microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, x-ray diffraction and other advanced analytical methods. Typically material composition is identified according to element predominance and known information about the material such as location, application, function, etc. Chemical Analysis BIO-TEC uses only AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene) approved laboratories for chemical analysis. These laboratories process aerosol sample collection of many different chemical contaminants ranging from simple hydrocarbons to complex organics as well as elemental metals. Many different analysis techniques can be employed, either independently or in conjunction with other methods, depending on the specific analyte. Some of these techniques include High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatograph (GC), Flame Ionization Detection (FID), and Mass Spectrometry (MS). Sample results indicate the amount (concentration) of chemical collected on the sample media and those results are then compared to applicable regulatory standards and guidelines. |
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