- Multiple Sample Discounts
- Thorough and Professionally Designed Reports
- Licensed by TSDHS as a Mold Analysis Laboratory (license no. LAB0137)
- Advanced Fungal Spore Identification Training from Aerobiology Research
- AIHA EMPAT tested (lab ID # 154782)
- Downloadable Resources
- Knowledgeable Support
- Certified of HUB and WBE
- Results In 24-48 Hours
- Certified Spore Analyst Level 1
(ID: 10040071) by the PAACB - More than 14 years experience
- Certified in Identification of Mold and Pollen by McCone Research Institute
Tape Lifts - Tape lift samples are a quick and easy method of house mold testing that requires no special equipment. This test is used to identify the type of mold to a Genus level in most cases. The results are reported semi-quantitatively. This rating system gives an idea of the relative amount of the mold(s) present.
This test is generally used to identify if mold is present, particularly to check for trace amounts of Stachybotrys, or other hazardous molds. If the results come back negative, it is advisable to conduct a bulk sample or swab culture of the material to verify the results because spores can be embedded inside the material and can be missed by direct exam. Because there can multiple types of mold growing in on one surface, it is advisable to take multiple samples in areas where mold is covering a greater area. Many professionals use a tape lift sample in combination with a quantitative analysis such as Andersen or Air-o-cell / Allergenco. Turnaround time is usually 1-2 days, but rush or same day results are available for an additional cost.
Air Samples - Air-o-cell and Allergenco samples require specialized equipment that tests for the presence of airborne mold. Air-o-cells can also be used to test inside a wall cavity by removing a light switch panel or through another other opening in the wall. This type of sample is a non-cultured air sample. The results reported in concentrations of spores per cubic meter (spores/m³) and include concentrations of both live and dead spores if a full profile analysis is requested. It is important to note that allergic reactions can come from both dead and live spores. In addition, the toxins produced by some fungal spores can remain toxic after the spore itself has died. The results from this type of air sample also include other airborne particles such as pollen, skin, animal parts, and other potential allergens. Turnaround time is usually several days, but rush or same day results are available for an additional cost.
- Generally, the concentration and types of spores found inside should be similar to or lower than the concentration and types of spores found outside
- Due to a high variability in results, use this test to check as to a potential problem that might have been missed by visual inspection
- Accurate measurements of airborne concentrations require multiple samples taken at different times and it can involve complex statistical analysis
- The category Aspergillus / Penicillium are small (1-3 microns), round, colorless spores that may include: Gliocladium, Trichoderma, other morphologically consistent with Aspergillus / Penicillium types. A culture sample would be required to differentiate between them. Currently there are no dose response relationship statistics for allowable or safe levels of aeroallergens. However if spores of Aspergillus / Penicillium are found at higher levels inside than outside, or Stachybotrys are found inside at even low concentrations, further investigation of the source should be conducted and evaluated by a professional
Bulk Samples - When mold is suspected to be embedded in drywall, sheetrock, flooring, wood, or another object, a sample can be taken by physically cutting out or removing a part of the substrate. These bulk samples are usually analyzed by culturing, although the surface can also be tape-lifted for direct exam. The cultured sample is grown in the laboratory on Malt Extract Agar or other media. Results are reported in concentrations of colony forming units per gram of sample (CFU/g). Due to the inconsistency of the contamination in the material sample, the results of a bulk sample culture can be incorrect; the mold may be present but not in the section tested. In addition, Stachybotrys does not grow well on standard culture media. Therefore, an absence of Stachybotrys on a culturable sample report can not rule it out. Turnaround time is usually 7-10 days for culture and/or several days for direct exam. Rush or same day results at an additional charge are available for direct exams, but cultures require time to grow, so it is not possible to provide rush service for these.
- less than 10,000 CFU/g is low
- 10,000 CFU/g to 100,000 CFU/g is medium
- 100,000 CFU/g to 1,000,000 CFU/g is medium to heavy
- greater than 1,000,000 CFU/g is heavy
- For information about the types of molds reported in the results, see glossary page
Homeowner Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions are listed in Homeowner Frequently Asked Questions. This resource was designed with the homeowner in mind, and written in verbiage that is easy to understand. Many professionals choose to pass the FAQs onto their customers by downloading and printing them to give to the client. In combination with our easy to read yet professional reports, the FAQ and Mold Glossary can answer many of your customers’ questions thereby making your job easier.
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