CMA Sampling & Testing Methods Flashcards
6 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMA Sampling & Testing Methods flashcards as text
According to AIHA guidelines, what is the recommended chain of custody procedure for mold samples?
Answer: A completed chain of custody form must accompany samples from collection through laboratory receipt
Proper chain of custody requires documentation at every transfer point from collection to lab receipt, ensuring sample integrity and legal defensibility.
What is the significance of a laboratory reporting 'TNTC' (Too Numerous To Count) on a culture plate result?
Answer: Colony density exceeded reliable counting limits, requiring sample dilution or re-sampling
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.
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?
Answer: Surface swab or tape lift from the cleaned surface
Post-remediation surface verification using swabs or tape lifts directly samples the cleaned surface to confirm mold has been adequately removed.
What does a 'raw spore count' from a spore trap analysis represent?
Answer: The actual number of spores counted on the analysis slide before any calculations
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.
When should a mold assessor collect settled dust samples rather than air samples?
Answer: When assessing long-term or cumulative mold exposure over months or years
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.
What laboratory accreditation program is widely recognized for mold analytical laboratories in the United States?
Answer: AIHA-LAP, LLC (American Industrial Hygiene Association Laboratory Accreditation Program)
AIHA-LAP, LLC accreditation is the primary third-party laboratory accreditation program for environmental microbiology (including mold) in the U.S., ensuring analytical quality and proficiency.