As mentioned in our inspection overview, if you see mold or suspect someone in your home is getting sick from mold exposure, it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible. Every type of testing has its limitations, and the biggest issue is false negatives when there is an issue present. We’ve conducted air tests in rooms with visible mold that came back nearly clean—simply because the mold wasn’t actively sporing (what tests check for) at that moment.
If you’re feeling sick and want to know if mold is the cause but can’t find any in your home, we highly recommend consulting a functional medicine practitioner. They can test your body using one or more of the methods we outline below, which often provide the most reliable results.
You can also call us at (615) 486-2217, and we’ll help you navigate the best approach—we know it can be overwhelming.
Below is an overview of the most common mold testing options available in the Nashville area. We recommend that all tests be conducted by a mold specialist near you. While some at-home tests exist, they aren’t significantly cheaper than having a professional handle it.
Even though they are unreliable at times, testing is still a often a necessary tool to get a more complete picture of the situation but it should always be paired with common sense.
Here are the most common types of mold tests:
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.
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.
This test collects dust samples to analyze for mold DNA. It identifies specific mold species and toxins present in the home.
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 it has been denatured.
A HERTSMI test 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.
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.
Swabs are used to collect samples from surfaces suspected of mold growth. This method helps identify mold type and concentration on a surface level.
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.
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
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 probably has a mold issue. Check under the floor carpet first. On most cars it’s pretty easy to get up - search Youtube for your make and model.
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. Be sure to test with your local Natural Medicine Doctor who specializes in mold before ordering these tests.
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.
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.
Hopefully this helps give you a clear picture of the testing options out there. If we missed any important ones please let us know at contact@claropure.com so we can keep this list comprehensive.
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