Mold Assessment Technician Practice Exam

What type of result is produced when using an Anderson sampler?

1. Quantitative non-viable result

2. Qualitative result

3. Direct count of particles

4. Snapshot of air quality

The correct answer is: Qualitative result

The Anderson sampler is specifically designed for measuring airborne particulates, particularly mold spores, by collecting samples on a culture medium. When using this device, the primary outcome it produces is qualitative data, indicating the presence or absence of specific types of microorganisms or fungal spores in the air. This qualitative result derives from the samples collected on the agar plates, where the subsequent growth of colonies can reveal what types of spores were present in the air at the time of sampling. This is essential for assessing air quality and identifying potential contamination without providing a definitive numerical count of the spores. While there may also be some quantitative elements derived from the number of colonies observed, the initial outcome focuses on identifying the types of contaminants present rather than providing a precise count or concentration. Therefore, the qualitative nature of the result aligns with the purpose and functioning of the Anderson sampler, making it the appropriate answer.