Peerless qualifications

Published: January 3rd, 2008

Revised: December 25th, 2009

At Sporometrics, we take education and training seriously.  Over two-thirds of our staff are degreed scientists, most with post-graduate training in mycology, microbiology and molecular genetics.  Our senior scientific Staff, Dr. Scott and Dr. Summerbell, both hold professional certifications with the Canadian College of Microbiologists.

All of our staff analysts are certified by the Pan-American Aerobiology Certification Board (PAACB) through a process involving a series of rigorous examinations demonstrating their knowledge and skills in microscopic identification of fungal spores and knowledge of  fungal taxonomy, ecology and sampling methodologies.  Unlike laboratory proficiency testing programs, such as AIHA’s EMPAT program, in which the laboratory decides which of their analysts processes proficiency specimens on their behalf, the PAACB program submits each and every analyst to a rigorous set of examinations, ensuring uniformity and excellence for every individual who passes to become certified and receives a PAACB stamp.  At Sporometrics, our 6-month analyst trainee program partners new employees with senior analysts, allowing them to become familiarized with laboratory procedures and identification techniques.  Our internal training program takes each analyst trainee through a series of internally-delivered examinations to test their knowledge of theory and practice.  The culmination of our internal training program is the PAACB examination process, which provides external quality assurance on the knowledge and skills of our analysts.