laboratory services

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Why have building materials tested?

Statistically, most IAQ problems (about 80%) are solved by having a building inspected by a qualified IAQ inspector. However, this is not always possible due to constraints on time, distance and availability. Testing samples of dust or building material can disclose a problem and confirm the presence of a contaminant related to health problems. Subsequent tests can also gauge the level of success your IAQ improvements have achieved. For more details on what testing can and cannot do, see “Testing Services”.

Why send samples to Enmedex?

Enmedex utilizes a network of professional mycologists and microbiology labs accredited by Health Canada. Samples are cultured, which means that organisms are allowed to grow into colonies that can be properly identified. Many moulds cannot be fully differentiated from each other without complete culturing.

However, our real strength lies in the fact that we are a hands-on IAQ group. Our days are spent inspecting buildings, taking samples and measurements, and crawling through attics, basements, and HVAC systems. This hands-on knowledge of buildings from the inside out is what makes our lab reports meaningful. Knowing what and how many contaminants you have is not enough. The better question is why do you have them and how do you get rid of them. Information without knowledge is useless. Enmedex has that knowledge backed with years of experience and hundreds of successful investigations.

All Enmedex reports include potential causes and recommendations based on the results of your tests, plus information you have supplied. This provides an excellent starting point for you the building owner/manager to begin further investigations or undertake improvements to reduce or eliminate the problem.

What does Enmedex test for?

The most common lab tests performed involve:

Fungal Identification only >>>>> (Identifies mould to the species and genus)

Full Microbial Identification >>> (Same as fungal ID plus bacteria)

Stachybotris chartarum only > > (Identifies the fungi known as *toxic black mould*)

Basic Wet Mount Analysis >>> (Identifies plant, animal, mineral or asbestos)

ICP Metal Scan >>>>> >>>>> (Identifies metals present in dust incl. lead & mercury)

Dust mite debris >>>>> >>>> (Identifies low or high dust mite concentrations)

Enmedex also conducts other non-standard tests we cannot offer from this site. For more information on these specialty services, contact us by phone or e-mail. Enmedex is strictly an air quality specialist and does not offer any medical lab services. We cannot accept human or animal tissue, feces, blood, or liquids of any kind. Enmedex does not perform any testing for human or animal diseases.

Costs

The above tests range from $26.75 to $208.65 ($CDN) including tax. For a detailed break-down of costs and instructions on sample collection, download the Acrobat files “Sample Collection and Order Form” and “IAQ Sample Submittal Form”.

Each analysis is completed within 18 days of receiving the sample in our office. Results are returned to you by e-mail. All samples are safely destroyed upon completion of the analysis.

Questions?

Contact us for more information.

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