Several mold testing methods are available, each with specific applications. Below are the most common types used by professionals, listed by our mold attorney:
Air Sampling
Air sampling is the most widely used method to detect mold spores in the indoor environment. A professional uses a pump to collect air samples, which are then analyzed in a lab to identify mold types and concentrations.
How It Works: Air is drawn through a cassette or petri dish containing a growth medium. The sample is incubated to allow mold spores to grow, then examined under a microscope.
Surface Sampling
Surface sampling involves collecting samples from visible mold or suspected areas, such as walls, floors, or furniture, to confirm mold presence.
How It Works: Methods include swabbing (wiping a surface with a sterile swab), tape lifting (pressing adhesive tape onto a surface), or bulk sampling (removing a small piece of material). Samples are analyzed in a lab to identify mold species.
Bulk Sampling
Bulk sampling involves removing a piece of material (e.g., drywall or carpet) from the home for lab analysis to determine mold contamination.
How It Works: A small section of material is cut out and sent to a lab, where it’s tested for mold growth and type.
ERMI Testing (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index)
ERMI testing is a method developed by the EPA to assess mold contamination in a home by analyzing dust samples.
How It Works: Dust is collected from surfaces (often via vacuum or cloth) and analyzed using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to identify mold species and quantify contamination. Results are compared to a national database to calculate a moldiness index.
Culture Testing
Culture testing involves growing mold from samples in a lab to identify specific species and assess their viability.
How It Works: Samples from air, surfaces, or bulk materials are placed in a growth medium (e.g., agar plates) and incubated. Lab technicians identify mold types based on growth patterns. If you’ve been exposed to mold, contact our toxic mold attorneys in Los Angeles for immediate help.
