Bed Bugs
Sampling Instructions |
Dust sample using a standard or commercial vacuum cleaner: |
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The Dustream™ dust collection system can be attached to most standard vacuum cleaner hoses. The dust collection system is comprised of a plastic adaptor and corresponding filters. |
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Simply attach the Dustream™ adaptor to the vacuum cleaner and insert a clean filter. Vacuum mattress, bedding, carpet, carpeting, surrounding furniture, in piles of books or papers, linens, or anywhere you suspect bed bugs may have been or could be hiding. Vacuum potentially affected areas for approximately 2 minutes; you should see a visible accumulation of dust in the cassette. We require a minimum of about 1 teaspoon of dust to perform the analysis. |
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A Dustream™ dust collector with vacuum cleaner adaptor and filter inserts can be purchased through SGS Forensic Laboratories; the charge for the adaptor will be refunded when it is returned. Dustream™ dust collectors may also be purchased directly from Indoor Biotechnologies. |
Dust sample using a high volume pump: |
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Filter cassettes with a filter pore size of 0.8µm or smaller (such as Zefon Micro-Vac cassette, a polycarbonate filter cassette, or a PCM asbestos cassette) can be used to collect a dust sample. Attach the filter cassette to a pump calibrated to 15 LPM or higher. Vacuum mattress, bedding, carpeting, surrounding furniture, in piles of books or papers, linens, or anywhere you suspect bed bugs may have been or could be hiding. Vacuum potentially affected areas for approximately 2 minutes; you should see a visible accumulation of dust in the cassette. We require a minimum of about 1 teaspoon of dust to perform the analysis. |
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High volume pumps can be rented directly from SGS Forensic Laboratories. Filter cassettes can be purchased through SGS Forensic Laboratories or directly from Zefon International. High volume pumps will be provided for free to new clients if testing 5 or more locations at one time. |
Sample using a sterile swab: |
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A sterile swab can be used to collect a surface sample. Uncap the swab and wet the tip with the sterile wetting agent. Swab seams of mattress, along and behind headboards, in piles of books or papers, under light switch plates, inside box springs, behind peeling wallpaper, or anywhere you suspect bed bugs may have been or could be hiding. Place the swab back into its carrier tube and press firmly to close. |
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Sterile swabs can be obtained from SGS Forensic Laboratories, or can be ordered in bulk directly from Zefon International or any biological supply company. |
Shipping: |
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Dust and swab samples can be shipped through regular US Mail, by FedEx or other courier services. No special handling or packaging is required. |
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Send samples to:
SGS Forensic Laboratories |