Tapelift Analysis

Pet Dander

Tapelift collected from your home can reveal some interesting results. Like this home for example, with two dogs, four birds, and a cat. The long straight particles belong to dogs. There are three in the field of view. The hook-shaped particles are bird dander. There are two in the field of view. There is one cat dander particle. It is the more triangular shaped bright flake up and right of center. Pet dander far outnumbered human skin flakes in this home. Dog dander is common in homes with a pet dog but is also common in office and school environments from the clothing of dog owners. It is more common than cat dander in office and school environments because dogs tend to generate more dander than cats. Fewer people are sensitive to dogs than to cats so the presence of dog dander is generally not a source of health complaints in these environments.

This is a prime example why you would want to do a tapelife analysis.

Sampling- Step by Step

Equipment:

The following equipment is required

  • 3M Brand Magic Tape, standard (not removable), 3/4 inch wide

  • Sandwich or snack size sealable plastic bags (ie “Ziplock”)

  • Notepad

  • Pen and pencil


Sample Site Selection:

  1. The sample site should be selected based on the following criteria

  2. Sample the site where the problem was first noticed

  3. Sample the surface of concern

  4. Sample a surface that has been collecting particles over the history of the problem

  5. Sample a surface that is cleaned on a weekly or monthly basis

  6. Carefully document the location of the sample, the time, and date of sampling

  7. Collect at least three samples from the homologous location. In a home that may three different rooms. In an office or industrial area, they would all be from the same shop or office.

Collecting the Samples:

1. Place a note in the bag with the sample that identifies the sample location, date, time, and the name of the person taking the sample, then seal the bag.

2. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the next two samples of this set, placing each sample in its own bag with its own identifying note before moving to the next home or the next office or shop.


Specific sampling techniques can be found here