News

New Accreditations added to both our Calgary and Mississauga Labs!

June 25, 2015

Paracel is pleased to announce that both our Calgary and Mississauga labs are now ISO/IEC 17025/2005 accredited for Asbestos PCM & Microscopic Fungal analyses by CALA.  The complete scope of testing for all our labs can be found on the CALA website by clicking here.

PCM analysis is utilized for asbestos fibers in air samples. This analysis reports total fibers viewed in an air sample collected using a 0.45 - 1.2 um MCE (mixed cellulose ester) filter cassette. Total fibers are reported without any distinction between asbestos types or any other fibers that may be present, according to the protocol outlined by NIOSH 7400.

Microscopic Fungal analysis follows the ‘ASTM D7391 Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy’. This analyses is applicable to air samples collected by samplers such as Air-O-Cell, Burkhard or Allergenco. Through direct microscopic examination, determination of genus level identification of fungal spores can be achieved and quantified.  This test can also be performed on matrices such as tape, swab, or bulk building material collected according to the ‘AIHA Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants in Environmental Samples’ prescribed procedures.

Paracel’s regular turnaround times(tat) for both Asbestos and Microscopic analyses is 4 business days. However, expedited services are also available if required.  To obtain pricing and tat information for your specific project, please call the Paracel Service Team at 1-800-749-1947.