Mold Assessment Technician Practice Exam

Which collection method uses a sticky media to capture non-viable samples?

1. AirOCell

2. Anderson sampler

3. Casette sampler

4. Petri dish method

The correct answer is: AirOCell

The AirOCell method is specifically designed to capture non-viable samples through the use of a sticky media. This method employs a collection cassette that contains a sticky surface, which is effective in trapping airborne particulate matter, including mold spores, allergens, and other microparticles. When air is drawn through the cassette, the particles adhere to the sticky surface, allowing them to be analyzed later in a laboratory setting. This technique is particularly advantageous in indoor air quality assessments because it can capture a wide range of particulates without needing to rely on the viability of the samples. Non-viable samples are important in assessing mold pollution in environments as they can indicate past or present contamination. In contrast, the other methods mentioned serve different purposes. For instance, the Anderson sampler utilizes a different mechanism that involves impaction for viable samples. The cassette sampler may collect samples effectively, but it is generally not focused on a sticky media approach that targets non-viable particles specifically. The Petri dish method, while also used for culturing viable organisms, does not employ a sticky medium for sample capture in the same manner as the AirOCell method does. Understanding the distinct mechanisms and purposes of these sampling methods highlights why the AirOCell method is the correct choice for