CMA CMA Sampling & Testing Methods 3

Question 1

According to AIHA guidelines, what is the recommended chain of custody procedure for mold samples?

Accepted Answer

A completed chain of custody form must accompany samples from collection through laboratory receipt

Answer

Proper chain of custody requires documentation at every transfer point from collection to lab receipt, ensuring sample integrity and legal defensibility.

Question 2

What is the significance of a laboratory reporting 'TNTC' (Too Numerous To Count) on a culture plate result?

Accepted Answer

Colony density exceeded reliable counting limits, requiring sample dilution or re-sampling

Answer

TNTC means colonies are so densely packed that individual counting is unreliable; the assessor should consider the sample heavily contaminated and may need to resample or dilute.

Question 3

Which type of sampling is most appropriate to determine if a specific surface area is contaminated with mold when the surface appears clean after remediation?

Accepted Answer

Surface swab or tape lift from the cleaned surface

Answer

Post-remediation surface verification using swabs or tape lifts directly samples the cleaned surface to confirm mold has been adequately removed.

Question 4

What does a 'raw spore count' from a spore trap analysis represent?

Accepted Answer

The actual number of spores counted on the analysis slide before any calculations

Answer

The raw count is the actual number of spores enumerated on the slide; the laboratory then applies a calibration factor and volume correction to calculate spores per cubic meter.

Question 5

When should a mold assessor collect settled dust samples rather than air samples?

Accepted Answer

When assessing long-term or cumulative mold exposure over months or years

Answer

Settled dust samples (used in ERMI testing) represent an integrated historical record of mold deposition, making them better for assessing cumulative long-term exposure than a single air sample in time.

(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test

(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test

CMA CMA Sampling & Testing Methods 3