Mold testing options

Testing for mold in a home is difficult and unreliable no matter how good the tests are because mold may be actively growing due to moisture but not releasing spores (what the tests check for). Mold typically spores when it feels threatened or stressed. In a damp, dirty bathroom, for example, the mold isn’t “stressed,” so it may not spore out, making testing especially frustrating.

This being said, testing is still a necessary tool to get a more complete picture of the situation but it should always be paired with common sense. For instance, if an air test shows no mold but there’s visible mold on a wet, warped wall, you have mold.

We’ve seen cases where two tests taken in the same room showed up to a 10x difference in mold spore levels, depending on where and when the sample was collected.

Here are the most common types of mold tests:

Air Quality Testing or non-viable spore trap test (Air-O-Cell)

This test captures airborne mold spores in a cassette for analysis. If you are having mold illness related symptoms this is typically the best test you can do because it detects spores currently in the air. The drawback is if you have mold that is not currently sporing, it will not be detected. This test works best when you disturb the air by using compressed air to kick up some dust in the room. This is one of the tests that Claro offers.

Viable Spore Trap Cassettes (Via-Cell)

Similar to non-viable testing, but with the added benefit of identifying whether the spores captured are viable (actively growing). This test is useful for understanding if the mold is still spreading. We typically take this test right after we
do a treatment because the test may capture lots of mold spores but then when the lab goes and tries to culture those cells they will not grow because they are all dead. This is the other test that Claro offers.

EMMA Dust Test

This test collects dust samples to analyze for mold DNA. It identifies specific mold species and toxins present in the home.
HERTSMI Test - HERTSMI is a cheaper, simplified version of the ERMI test, focusing on the five most toxic mold species. It analyzes dust samples and breaks them down into DNA to determine the genus of mold. This test is often requested by healthcare providers concerned with mold toxicity.

ERMI Test

The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) test gathers dust samples and analyzes them for mold DNA. It provides a moldiness score compared to homes across the U.S. While useful for understanding the mold history of a home, ERMI can be misleading post-remediation, as mold DNA can persist even after treatment.

Surface Tape Test

A simple method where tape is pressed against a moldy surface to collect samples for lab analysis. It can help confirm the presence of mold on visible surfaces.

Surface Swab Testing

Swabs are used to collect samples from surfaces suspected of mold growth. This method helps identify mold type and concentration on a surface level.

Particle Testing

A particle counter measures airborne particles, including mold spores. Although it can give a rough idea of air quality, it doesn’t always capture accurate mold-specific data due to the varying spore sizes.

Mold Test Plates

Plates are exposed to the air in a room, allowing mold spores to settle and grow on a culture medium. While affordable, this method has limitations and may not capture all types of mold spores, leading to inaccurate or incomplete results.

There are also a few newer testing systems that offer either real time or same day results. The two most popular are:

- Instascope: Instantly tests indoor air quality for a variety of different toxins. The reliability and what you get back in results depends on the model you are using
- Sporecyte - Sporecyte is another resting kit that takes air samples offers rapid results if you opt to overnight shipping

There are also a few newer testing systems that offer either real time or same day results. The two most popular are:

Instascope: Instantly tests indoor air quality for a variety of different toxins. The reliability and what you get back in results depends on the model you are using

Sporecyte: Sporecyte is another resting kit that takes air samples offers rapid results if you opt to overnight shipping

Understanding home test results

It’s important to remember that no mold test is a definitive answer to whether your home is safe or mold-free. Tests should be viewed as one tool in your overall approach to understanding your home’s mold situation. Air quality testing, especially after a dry fog treatment, is more accurate as mold spores are stressed or dying, making them easier to detect.

However, if you can smell mold, see visible mold, or notice symptoms of mold exposure, these signs should be taken seriously—even if tests don’t show elevated levels. Trust your instincts and consider the full picture when assessing your home.

Testing your car

You can do air samples for your car but the best way to test is with your nose. If your car smells musty after being closed up. It’s probably got mold. Check under the floor carpet first. On a lot of cards it’s pretty easy to get up - search youtube.

Testing your body

Testing your body for mold exposure is often more straightforward than testing your home. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in body testing, with direct tests for mycotoxins now available. While the CDC does not currently recommend mold bio-testing, this is primarily because the science is still evolving. However, many individuals and experts recognize that the CDC isn’t always the final word, especially in emerging fields of science.

Here are some of the most commonly used body tests for mold exposure. These tests are typically available through naturopathic or holistic doctors:

- MycoTOX Profile by Great Plains Laboratory: A comprehensive urine test that detects 11 different mycotoxins from 40 species of mold. The MycoTOX Profile is highly regarded for its ability to identify even low levels of mycotoxins in the body, helping to diagnose mold exposure and monitor detoxification progress.

- Mycotoxin Urine Test by Real Time Labs: This test measures the presence of mold toxins in urine, detecting 16 different mycotoxins from common toxic molds like Aspergillus and Stachybotrys. It’s particularly useful for identifying active or recent mold exposure and tracking treatment effectiveness.

- Mycotoxin Tests by Vibrant Wellness: These tests offer a comprehensive analysis of multiple mycotoxins found in the body, particularly targeting toxins produced by indoor mold species. They use advanced mass spectrometry technology to deliver detailed results, helping guide treatment protocols for mold-related illnesses.

- Mycotoxin Testing by MycoLab: MycoLab specializes in detecting various mycotoxins using urine and blood samples. Their tests provide accurate measurements of mold exposure, particularly focusing on long-term and high-level exposures that can lead to chronic illness.

- Mold Allergy/Antibody Test: This blood test measures your immune system’s response to mold by detecting antibodies. It can help identify if you’re having an allergic reaction to mold in your environment, making it a helpful tool for individuals suffering from mold-related allergies.

- MARCoNS Nasal Swab Test: This nasal swab test identifies Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (MARCoNS), a type of bacteria often found in people exposed to mold. MARCoNS can create biofilms, blocking recovery from mold illness. Testing for MARCoNS can be crucial in identifying bacterial complications related to mold exposure.

Blood Labs for Inflammation

Mold exposure can cause systemic inflammation, which is why blood tests are often recommended to assess inflammatory markers. Key tests include:

- TGF Beta-1: Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 is an indicator of chronic inflammation often elevated in mold-exposed individuals.

- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase): Measures liver function and detoxification ability, which can be compromised in people with mold exposure.

- VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Evaluates blood vessel health and can be disrupted by inflammation caused by mold exposure.

- VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide): Assesses peptide levels that help regulate the immune system and inflammation. Low VIP levels are common in individuals suffering from mold-related illnesses.

You likely don’t need all these tests and it can get expensive but a few of them can give you a clear picture of the mold in your body.