CMA CMA Sampling & Testing Methods

Question 1

Which air sampling method collects mold spores on a glass slide coated with adhesive for direct microscopic examination?

Accepted Answer

Impaction sampling (e.g., Andersen, RCS)

Answer

Impingement sampling

Answer

Filtration sampling (cassette)

Answer

Settle plate sampling

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of bulk sampling compared to air sampling when assessing mold in building materials?

Accepted Answer

Bulk sampling identifies the fungal species present in the material itself

Answer

Bulk sampling is faster to collect

Answer

Bulk sampling captures airborne spores more accurately

Answer

Bulk sampling requires no laboratory analysis

Question 3

What does the term 'colony forming unit' (CFU) represent in mold culture analysis?

Accepted Answer

A single viable propagule capable of growing into a visible colony

Answer

The number of individual spores in a sample

Answer

The weight of mold biomass per square centimeter

Answer

The ratio of mold to non-mold particles in air

Question 4

Which analytical method can identify mold genera and species using DNA without requiring laboratory culture growth?

Accepted Answer

qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction)

Answer

Direct microscopy (spore trap analysis)

Answer

Culture-based analysis (MEA plates)

Answer

Tape lift with KOH preparation

Question 5

What is an 'outdoor control' (background) sample, and why is it required during an indoor mold assessment?

Accepted Answer

An outdoor air sample collected simultaneously to establish baseline spore levels

Answer

A sample from an unaffected room to compare with the problem area

Answer

A sample taken before remediation to document pre-cleaning conditions

Answer

A quality control sample sent blank to the laboratory

Question 6

Which sampling media is most commonly used for viable (culture-based) mold air sampling?

Accepted Answer

MEA (Malt Extract Agar) or DG-18 agar plates in an Andersen sampler

Answer

Polycarbonate filter cassettes

Answer

Air-O-Cell spore trap cassettes

Answer

Cyclone collector tubes