Affordable, Complete Mold Testing Services

Only $25 per Sample Personal Service Multiple Sample Discounts Thorough and Professionally Designed Reports Licensed by TSDHS as a Mold Analysis Laboratory (license no. LAB0137) Advanced Fungal Spore Identification Trainingfrom 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 12 years experience Certified in Identification of Mold and Pollen by McCone Research Institute

Types of Samples

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 as a rating from 1X to 4X. 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.

Interpreting The Results Of A Tape Lift Sample

• Used to identify mold to a Genus level in most cases
• Generally not used for quantitative analysis, though each mold type present is rated in trace, minor, major, or abundant amounts
• For information about the types of molds reported in results, see the mold glossary page.

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.

Interpreting The Results Of An Air Sample

• 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.

Interpreting The Results Of A Bulk Sample

• 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

Easy-to-Read Air Sample Overview

We deliver the home mold testing results directly to you in a professional report that is informative and easy
to understand.

The top section of the report holds the information originally included on the Mold Chain-of-Custody Form submitted with the sample(s).

The middle section shows the location the sample was taken on the left, and identifies the types of mold present, if any, on the right. Hyperlinks directly on the mold report set your report apart from other companies. Don't ask your client to do any additional searching, inform them that they can now simply click on the type of mold present on the report and they will be automatically directed to our informative mold glossary for further details about the type(s) mold on their report.

Also in this section is a semi-quantitative rating system of 1X to 4X. The rating indicates how much of that particular mold is present. 1X indicates a trace amount, 2X indicates a minor amount, 3X indicates a major amount, while 4X indicates an abundance. The total concentrations on air samples can be provided, as well as debris, fibers, and insect parts, if preferred.

Graphic Representations of Your Results

This section of the report is a graphic illustration of the relative percentages of the types of mold detected in the current sample, based on the total calculated concentration as the whole. This section can be converted to values rather than percentages if you prefer.

The bottom section of this page is a bar table that conveniently compares the indoor to the outdoor (or whichever you have designated as your reference sample) sample's types of mold and calculates the difference between the two. If you have a large job and take multiple outdoor samples, we will calculate the average of all the outside samples taken and use the average value as the control for the chart.

This difference between the outdoor sample and inside sample will appear in a different color, usually red but can be modified. As you can see, the report format can be a great asset to your professional service. Customers want to see illustrations; data can be easier to interpret when graphically illustrated.

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.

For Professionals

• Services Offered Moldlab is a full service mold testing laboratory with personal service, fast turn-around times, and professional reports and resources you can use to inform your clients. Learn what types of tests are offered and how to interpret the results of each test overview.
• Sampling Procedures Need results now? See how easy your job can be when it comes to testing for mold. Air samples, bulk samples, multiple samples, no problem! You’ll still get your results in about 48 hours. Instructions for taking tape, air and bulk mold samples, the submittal process and necessary forms can be found here.
• USPS Order prepaid flat rate priority mail packs.
• FedEx Order preprinted peel and stick airbills or call 1-800-GoFedEx.

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