Testing for Mold

Should I hire a professional to test my house for mold?

If you choose to hire a professional, he or she will take indoor and outdoor air samples and compare the values and types. Samples of indoor surfaces may also be taken. After analysis, the professional consultant should be able to provide advice and recommendations for your specific situation. The cost of these services can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. If you decide on this option, make sure the professional that you select includes not just an inspection of your home, but an evaluation and recommendations for remediation.

What are the advantages self-testing?

Usually self-testing is the first testing method to be performed. The advantages of self-testing include:

• Receive results quickly and accurately
• Cost far less than hiring a professional
• Use to double-check a 3rd party inspector
• Identifies if mold is a potential toxin producer
• Easy way to check a suspicious spot or stain
• Use to determine your next steps

What are the different self-testing methods?

LabTech includes both most common methods in your Mold OK Detection Kit and a illustrated collection guide in English and Spanish to help you. The kit includes 6 tape lift samples and bags for 4 bulk bag samples.

Mold OK Tape Lift Method

The tape-lifting method is an easy, quick, and reliable way to get a spore sample from a spot or stain that you suspect is mold. This method can also be used to determine the presence of airborne mold spores by sampling household dust particles. Dust particles adhere to airborne mold before falling to a surface. Because mold requires moisture to grow, a thorough inspection of your home for water leaks and moisture should be performed. This includes pipes behind walls, and roof leaks.

Where to sample using the Tape Lift Method:

• Suspicious Stains
• Spots on Walls or Other Porous Materials
• Fresh Dust Particles
• Sites of Recent Leaks
• Under Sinks and Appliances
• HVAC vent covers/grills
• Flooded Areas

Mold OK Bulk Bag Method

If you suspect there is a mold in drywall, or adhering to another object, a small sample can be taken by physically removing a part of the drywall and placing it into a zip lock bag included in your test kit.

Tips on Mold Sampling

There can multiple types of mold growing on one surface, so it can be beneficial to take multiple samples in areas where mold is covering a greater area. If two areas are different colors, it is best to take samples from each area, however, if the contaminated area appears uniform in color then one sample should be sufficient.

1. Record and photograph the areas that you are sampling. This will help you remember the location.
2. Place each sample into a separate plastic case (Tape Lift method) or zip lock bag (Bulk Bag method).
3. Do not fold the tape back onto itself.
4. Do not fold or wrinkle the portion of the tape where the sample lies.
5. Complete only one Submittal Form, even if you have multiple samples.

How many tape strips must I use for my Tape Lift Method?

We provide six tape lift sample tapes and plastic collection trays. You can use as many or as few test strips as you need. You will have to pay the cost for analysis for each test strip sent in or your test will not be analyzed.

What is Expanded Profile Analysis?

The Expanded Profile Analysis takes a closer look at your sample to identify the amount of pollen, dust mites, fibers and skin cells in the sample. See sample report. This information may be valuable to some who are particularly sensitive to these items. It is not necessary to take a separated sample for this analysis. Just check the box on the Contact & Payment form (part of the Mold Test Kit Instructions) and include the appropriate additional fee of $15/sample.

How can I pay for analysis?

MoldLab, Ltd. accepts checks, cash, money order, or credit card (Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc).

Where do I ship my test kit?

We provide a self-addressed lab envelope for mailing your sample to be analyzed. Mail your test sample immediately after testing along with your payment to Moldlab at 2501 Mayes Road Ste 110 Carrollton, TX 75006. You must also include the completed Contact & Payment Information portion of the Mold Test Kit Instructions form. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

How do I purchase Rush Analysis service?

Rush Analysis service is available at a cost of $10 per sample in addition to the normal analysis fee amount contained in your Contact & Payment Information form (part of the Mold Test Kit Instructions). Forma en Español