ASTM D7391-20 - Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy

1.1 This test method is a procedure that uses direct microscopy to analyze the deposit on an inertial impaction sample.

1.2 This test method describes procedures for categorizing and enumerating fungal structures by morphological type. Typically, categories may be as small as genus (for example, Cladosporium) or as large as phylum (for example, basidiospores).

1.3 This test method contains two procedures for enumerating fungal structures: one for slit impaction samples and one for circular impaction samples. This test method is applicable for impaction air samples, for which a known volume of air (at a rate as recommended by the manufacturer) has been drawn, and is also applicable for blank impaction samples.

1.4 Enumeration results are presented in fungal structures/sample (fs/sample) and fungal structures/m³ (fs/m³).

1.5 The range of enumeration results that can be determined with this test method depends on the size of the spores on the sample trace, the amount of particulate matter on the sample trace, the percentage of the sample trace counted, and the volume of air sampled.

1.6 This test method addresses only the analysis of samples. The sampling process and interpretation of results is outside the scope of this test method.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.