Author: jscott

Spore trap sampling involves collecting airborne particles on a filter membrane or adhesive-coated slide by drawing air through or over the collection medium, respectively.  The collection medium is then analyzed by transmitted light microscopy, usually at 600–1000× magnification.  A number of different collection devices may be used for spore trap sampling of which the most […]

Direct microscopy is considered the “gold standard” in environmental mycology for determining the existence of fungal growth on surfaces or materials. The direct observation of fungal spores, spore-bearing structures and mycelium provides an unequivocal marker of past or current growth. Direct microscopic examination of tape or bulk samples should first examine the specimen in reflected […]

Exposure to semisynthetic and synthetic metalworking fluids (MWF) has been associated with work-related asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and dermatitis. Exposure to microbial contaminants in MWFs appears to be a key factor in the etiology of these diseases in machinists. Recently released occupational exposure limits to MWFs are based on aerosol concentrations determined by gravimetric measurements that […]

Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide found in the cell membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxin is a strongly proinflammatory material because of its interactions with receptors that stimulate the innate immune system. Exposure to endotoxin will initiate a strong inflammatory response in anyone and does not require allergic sensitization or individual sensitivity. Inhalation exposure to endotoxin is […]

This test provides a low-level identification of a single bacterial isolate by sequencing of portions of the 16S ribosomal small subunit gene region. DNA-based sequence identification is the gold-standard for microbial identification, since it is capable of identifying rare or atypical isolates of bacteria irrespective of their responses to diagnostic culture media or biochemical tests. […]