Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

Which sampling method is used to determine both viable and non-viable mold concentrations in the air?

1. Spore trap

2. Air-o-cell cassette

3. Bulk sampling

4. Surface sampling

The correct answer is: Air-o-cell cassette

The air-o-cell cassette sampling method is specifically designed to capture airborne mold spores for analysis. It utilizes a collection method that allows for both viable and non-viable mold concentrations to be assessed because it can trap mold spores on a sticky substrate while also allowing for culture-based analysis. This dual functionality makes the air-o-cell cassette particularly effective for comprehensive airborne mold assessments. In contrast, spore trap methods primarily focus on identifying and counting spores that are present in the air, but may not differentiate between viable and non-viable spores as effectively as the air-o-cell. Bulk and surface sampling methods target material samples rather than the air itself; they provide insights into mold quantities in specific locations or materials but do not offer a direct assessment of airborne mold concentrations. Thus, the air-o-cell cassette stands out as the best choice for determining both viable and non-viable mold concentrations in the air.