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Microbial analysis of building materials

Moisture puts buildings at risk for mould damages, with negative consequences to both economy and health. Mould is not acceptable in a building if there is a risk of it affecting the indoor environment. When mould is indicated, or the end users experience problems in the indoor environment, microbial analyses are often used as an investigative aid.

Purpose

The purpose of this service is to determine the presence and extent of microbial growth, commonly called mould, on material surfaces. The service is mainly used for analyses of microbial growth on building materials from buildings. Other materials can also be analysed, such as textiles and packaging materials.

Method

Analyses are performed according to SP-MET 3881, a well-documented method with proven efficacy which is used by several institutions nationally in Sweden. A quantitative analysis of the material is performed under light microscopy. The analysed microorganisms are fungi and a type of bacteria, actinomycetes. The extent of growth is evaluated and classified as ample, moderate, sparse, or no extent.

Delivery

Analysis results are given in tabular form in a written report, along with guidelines for interpretation of results. The analyses provide the status of the sample provided, not the construction as a whole. Any suggested corrective measured for the building can not be based solely on these analysis results. Please bear in mind also that even if there is a documented connection between moisture, mould and health problems in the indoor environment, there is not currently any single microbial analysis which can determine potential ill health effects.

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Service

Analyses of microbial presence and activity on building materials

Delivery level

Accredited

Standards

SP-MET 3881

Price

1550 SEK for the first sample, 1400 SEK per extra sample in the same test lot. For express analyses, an express fee á +400 SEK per sample is applied.

Delivery time

Normal delivery time for analysis results is 5-10 standard working days. Faster results can per special agreement be provided within 1-3 standard working days.

Preparations

Material samples are to be placed in paper envelopes or paper bags after sampling. Samples are not to be placed in plastic bags as there is a risk of elevating moisture levels and thus a risk of exacerbating the microbial growth.

It is important that the sample is representative of the construction. The person collecting the samples is responsible for the fulfilment of this condition.

Samples are sent to: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Johanna Elam, Box 857, 50115 Borås, SWEDEN. If you are in need of fast results, please contact us beforehand via e-mail/form. 

Johanna Elam

Contact person

Johanna Elam

Forskare

+46 10 516 57 78

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Contact person

Pernilla Johansson

Forskare

+46 10 516 51 50

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