August 13, 2003—Atlanta-based indoor air quality company, Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS), is offering a new analysis to test for Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as toxic mold, in a fungal sample. AQS is now proposing the use of Stachybotrys Selective Agar (SSA) to better detect the presence of this toxic mold in samples taken by building investigators.
SSA is formulated to selectively recover Stachybotrys chartarum, using a combination of anti-fungal and antibiotic agents to prevent other fungi and bacteria from inhibiting the growth of Stachybotrys in the sample. Stachybotrys Selective Agar is designed to be used in combination with existing full characterization media such as MEA and DG-18, providing a complete picture of all fungi present in a sample. The addition of SSA to Air Quality Sciences’ analytical capabilities enables building investigators to determine what mold species exist in a building.
SSA is ideal for experienced building investigators whose cases require full fungal species identification, such as high profile cases that may involve health concerns or litigation, says AQS. The new agar is used in combination with existing laboratory agars to properly detect the presence of Stachybotrys chartarum, resulting in a comprehensive report for building investigators.
Stachybotrys Selective Agar can be used in conjunction with other agars to provide a building investigator with more complete information regarding the viable fungi of interest in a given environment. At AQS, all samples are analyzed exclusively by degreed analysts and in accordance with AIHA EMLAP specifications. For more information, visit AQS.
