ASTM D7789-12 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D7789-12 (2021) — Standard Practice for Collection of Fungal Material from Surfaces by Swab. This practice describes procedures for collecting surface samples using sterile swabs for qualitative or quantitative assessment of fungal material, intended for analysis by direct microscopy, culture, or biochemical methods.

Abstract

This standard specifies a field practice for collecting fungal material from building and other surfaces using sterile swabs. It provides guidance on sampling area definition, sample handling, and the types of laboratory analyses appropriate for swab-collected material (culture, microscopy, biochemical). The practice is intended to help distinguish fungal material from non‑fungal deposits (for example, soot, stains, efflorescence) and is not a health‑risk or exposure assessment protocol.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: Current edition published 2021 (document shown as D7789-21 / D7789-12(2021); original approval 2012).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 07.100.99 (Other standards related to microbiology / air quality sampling).
• Edition / version: Historically D7789-12 (original 2012); revised/reissued in 2021 and published as D7789-21 (often shown as D7789-12(2021) or D7789-21 in catalogs).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

The practice describes procedures for collection of surface samples using sterile swabs to assess fungal material on surfaces. Samples collected to a defined area can be used for quantitation (fungal material per unit area) or qualitative analysis; point samples can be used for qualitative identification. The practice explicitly does not address occupant exposures or health‑risk evaluations. Samples collected according to this practice are suitable for direct microscopy, culture, and biochemical analysis.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of sterile swabs and defined sampling technique to collect surface fungal material.
• Specification of sample area (when quantitative results per unit area are required) and procedures for point sampling.
• Sample handling, labeling, and preservation to maintain integrity for microscopy, culture, or biochemical testing.
• Guidance on differentiating fungal material from non‑fungal residues (soot, stains, adhesives, dust, efflorescence).
• Limitations and safety note: the practice does not assess occupant exposure or health risk—users must apply appropriate safety and environmental controls.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental consultants, industrial hygienists, indoor air quality investigators, mold remediation contractors, and microbiology laboratories when surface sampling for fungal contamination is required. Common applications include building inspections, remediation verification, research sampling, and preparatory sampling for laboratory identification.

Related standards

Related ASTM practices for surface fungal sampling include tape lift sampling (ASTM D7910) and other indoor air quality and sampling guides; D7789 is referenced in / related to other standards and guidance on fungal and particulate sampling and analysis. Users often consult complementary practices (tape lift, bulk sampling, air sampling) depending on the investigation objectives.

Keywords

fungi, mold, mould, swab sampling, surface sampling, sterile swab, surface microbiology, microscopy, culture, biochemical analysis, indoor air quality.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7789 is a standard practice that describes how to collect fungal material from surfaces using sterile swabs for subsequent laboratory analysis (microscopy, culture, biochemical tests).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the swab sampling procedure (including sampling area specification for quantitative samples), sample handling and labeling, the intended analytical uses of swab samples (qualitative and quantitative), and its scope limitations (does not assess occupant exposures or health risks).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and indoor‑air quality professionals, industrial hygienists, mold remediation contractors, and laboratories performing fungal identification and culture.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original practice (D7789-12) was approved in 2012; the standard was revised/reissued in 2021 and is listed as active in ASTM catalogs (often shown as D7789-21 or D7789-12(2021)). Users should confirm they are using the 2021 (current) edition for the latest text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D7789 is part of a family of ASTM practices and guides addressing collection and analysis of fungal material and indoor environmental sampling (for example, tape lift practice D7910 and other D22 committee practices). It is commonly used alongside related sampling standards depending on investigation goals.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Keywords include: fungal sampling, swab, surface sampling, mold, culture, microscopy, biochemical analysis, indoor air quality.