1. Laboratory Services
1. Air Samples: Fungi
2. Air Samples: Bacteria
3. Surface Samples: Fungi
4. Surface Samples: Bacteria
5. Allergen ELISA
6. Asbestos Testing
7. PCR
8. Other Services
2. Additional Services
1. BioCassette
2. EMLab Pocket Guide
3. MicroLabs
4. MoldRange Report
5. Training
3. Quality Assurance
1. Quality Assurance
2. New User Introduction
3. Become A Client
4. Additional Information
1. New Client Forms (pdf)
2. Chain of Custody (pdf)

Quality Assurance

Our goal is to provide clients with analytical services that merit absolute confidence. To achieve this, we employ top mycologists in terms of education, experience and training. We use statistical quality control based on accurate, documented processes and duplicate analysis checked by our laboratory team which consists of some of the best mycologists in the industry. We also have an industry-leading, on-site reference library and database. Top quality optics (microscopes) and equipment are used throughout our laboratories. Our quality assurance programs are in place to give clients absolute confidence that they will consistently receive accurate and reliable results on time.

EMLab is unique among the large commercial "mold" laboratories, in that it has only degreed analysts, the majority with Masters or Ph.D.'s in mycology, microbiology or a related field. The staff performs on-going blind duplicate comparisons among its analysts to assure consistent, reliable and documented analysis quality. EMLab's mission is focused on having the best quality and training in the IAQ industry.

Laboratory Certifications

Phoenix, AZ	AIHA EMLAP
Glendale, CA	AIHA EMLAP
Irvine, CA	AIHA EMLAP
Long Beach, CA	AIHA EMLAP NVLAP
San Bruno, CA	AIHA EMLAP CA ELAP LA ELAP NVLAP
Sacramento, CA	AIHA EMLAP
San Diego, CA	AIHA EMLAP
Denver, CO	AIHA EMLAP
Fort Lauderdale, FL	AIHA EMLAP LA ELAP NVLAP
Chicago, IL	AIHA EMLAP NVLAP
Union, NJ	AIHA EMLAP
Fort Worth, TX	AIHA EMLAP NVLAP TX Mold Analysis Laboratory License TX Asbestos PLM Analysis Laboratory License
Fairfax, VA	AIHA EMLAP
Seattle, WA	AIHA EMLAP

The Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)

We are proud of the distinction of having an AIHA EMLAP accredited laboratory. In addition, AIHA advises us that our accreditation complies with International Standard ISO/IEC 17025, general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, although EMLab is not certified by or registered with ISO separately and this is not meant to be implied. We are part of a small group recognized for achieving and maintaining a high level of professional performance. The accreditation for our Northern California laboratory covers environmental microbiology, specifically the analysis of bacteria and fungi, including mold.

'When a laboratory is accredited by AIHA, the laboratory and its clients have the assurance that the laboratory has met defined standards for performance based on examination of a variety of criteria.' - AIHA.org

AIHA's EMLAP program is designed for laboratories specializing in analysis of microorganisms commonly detected in air, fluids and bulk samples, as part of IAQ investigations. Since important health and financial decisions will be based on results of these analyses, it is vital that the laboratory analyzing the samples be proficient in producing high quality data. Our AIHA accreditation is one mark of this capability.

The AIHA accreditation program is a rigorous, thorough and lengthy process involving all operations and personnel of the accredited site. The scope and program requirements for EMLAP accreditation include:

• Personnel Qualifications
• Methods of Analysis
• Quality Assurance
• Laboratory Records
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Facilities
• Site Visits
• Participation in the EMPAT program

EMlab exceeds AIHA requirements in several key categories, particularly Personnel Qualifications and Training.

The Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) Program

Participation in AIHA's Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT) is a requirement for accreditation. EMLAb has participated in this program since its inception, consistently receiving top scores. Our San Bruno EMPAT # is 102856. The San Diego EMPAT # is 160266.

Industry-Leading Authorities

Dr. Harriet Burge: EMLab's Director of Aerobiology, Dr. Harriet Burge, is widely considered to be the leading expert in Indoor Air Quality, and pioneered mold investigations in indoor environments. She has served as a member of three National Academy of Sciences committees for indoor air quality, including as vice-chair of the Committee on the Health Effects of Indoor Allergens, and is currently chairing the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Damp Buildings and Health. Dr. Burge serves on the Board of Directors of the New England Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology and the American College of Allergy and Immunology and was a member of the ASHRAE Standard 62 (Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality) Committee. She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers on bioaerosols, fungi and respiratory health, and is the author of several books relating to allergies and air quality.

Janet Gallup: Ms. Gallup is EMLab's founder and senior mycologist, and has more than 30 years experience identifying fungi from indoor environments. In the early 1970's, she investigated more than 500 homes of mold-sensitive asthmatics and co-authored several publications that were a result of that work, including the first published report of Stachybotrys chartarum found in a family dwelling in 1980. She has more than 20 publications and presented papers regarding indoor air quality and mold in the environment. With her extensive experience in bioaerosol analysis, laboratory management, teaching and research, Ms. Gallup is recognized as one of the leading experts on indoor mold. She continues to analyze samples, provide support for clients, train analysts, and maintain EMLab's high standards of analysis and service.

Spore Counters Certification

Janet Gallup is currently the chair of the Committee for Certification of Spore Counters, sponsored by the Pan American Aerobiology Association (PAAA). She was one of the first certified by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) as a pollen and spore counter.