Air Quality Test

Bar far the most commonly used sampling method, using air sampling, allows us to collect indoor air samples from the home. A control sample is also taken outside of the home. A comparison is made between the between the indoor and outdoor samples to determine if there are elevated levels of mold spores inside the home that are not naturally present in the outdoor environment.

When we use it:

• Mold is suspected in the home but could not be found visually.

• Clients wish to have an Air Quality Analysis report to understand overall health of air in the living space

Lift Tape Test

A piece of tape is placed onto an area in which mold growth is suspected. The tape is then lifted and placed on a glass micro slide. The tape slide is sealed and sent to the lab for analysis.

When we use it:

• An air quality test has identified an elevated mold spore count but the source cannot be visually identified.

• A suspected growth area cannot be determined visually and further analysis is required.

Sterile Swab Testing

While being the least frequently used, swab tests are an excellent tool when knowing a specific mold type is needed. This test is conducted by running a sterile swab over a surface to gather biological information. This swab is then sent off to a lab for analysis. This test does not however identify mold spore count.

When we use it:

• An air quality test has identified an elevated mold spore count but the source cannot be visually identified.

• A small source (like a heating vent) may contain a material that cannot be determined visually as mold.

• The area to be tested is difficult to access for lift tape analysis as swabs can access hard to reach areas.