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COLLECTING SURFACE SAMPLES
Watch the video
- Before the Appointment
Sporecyte recommends having extra Surface Sample Tape Cartridges and Sample Swabs supplies. Homebuyers often want to take more samples than they originally planned.
- Chain of Custody Form (printed or digital)
- Surface Sample Tape Cartridges (min. 3)
- Sample Swabs (min. 3)
- FedEx Shipping Package
- FedEx Shipping Label addressed to Sporecyte
- Determining the Best Sample Method
To collect surface samples, use the Surface Sample Tape and Surface Sample Swabs purchased from Sporecyte.com. Sporecyte does not process surface samples collected using other methods or materials.
Method
Best
- Lift Tape Method
Tape lifts are perfect for sampling hard surfaces like attic sheathing, walls, tile, etc. The Tape Lift method should not be used for surfaces that are heavily soiled, dusty, or wet. Swab samples should be taken in these situations to prevent messy samples and inconclusive results
Good
- Surface Sample Swabs
- Collecting Tape Samples
While wearing gloves:
- Open the plastic slide case and remove the sampling slide.
- Peel off the plastic cover, exposing the adhesive on the slide.
- Press the adhesive firmly to the discolored surface you want to test.
- Apply light pressure to the reverse side of the tape to make sure the adhesive picks up enough sample.
- Peel the slide from the surface in a slow and controlled manner.
- Replace the plastic cover over the adhesive area on the slide.
- Label the slide and fill out the information on the Chain of Custody Form.
- Place the slide back into the plastic slide case.
Make sure to label the slide and not the transport case.
- Collecting Swab Samples
While wearing gloves
- Remove the swab and tube from the sterile packing material.
- Open the transport tube and remove the swab.
- Swab the discolored surface you want to test, making sure to roll the swab back and forth over the area.
- Insert the swab into the transport tube, making sure the swab is completely inside the tube.
- Label the exterior of the transport tube and fill out the information on the Chain of Custody Form.
