Mold testing,
read in-house
If you've got a leak that's been wet longer than a day, a musty smell that won't quit, or stains showing up on drywall, mold testing is the way to find out what you're actually dealing with. We sample, we read it in our lab, you get a report you can act on.
What mold testing actually is
Mold testing is sampling the air or a surface for mold spores, fragments, or growth on materials, then identifying what's there in the lab. The point isn't to find "some" mold, mold is always present in any indoor environment, it's to figure out whether the levels and species in your space are abnormal compared to outdoor reference and ACGIH guidance.
Air sampling alone usually isn't enough. If the test is going to drive a remediation decision or land in a legal file, you want air + surface + visual walkthrough together. That's why a field sampling visit includes a visual walkthrough alongside sample collection.
Triggers that warrant mold testing
Water intrusion event
A pipe leak, flood, or roof failure that stayed wet longer than 24 hours. Mold growth typically starts inside 24–48 hours on cellulose materials.
Musty odor
A persistent earthy or musty smell that doesn't go away with cleaning. Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) are often the first indicator of hidden growth.
Unexplained symptoms
Respiratory issues, headaches, or allergy-like symptoms in occupants that worsen indoors and improve away from the building.
Visible discoloration
Unusual stains on walls, ceilings, baseboards, or under sinks. Sample what you can see, plus the air around it.
Real-estate transaction
Pre-purchase mold sampling on a building with any moisture history. Gives the buyer documentation either way.
Insurance documentation
Many carriers require professional mold testing before authorizing remediation. The report becomes part of the claim file.
How we collect, and what gets analyzed
Air sampling (spore trap)
Equipment: Air-O-Cell, Allergenco-D, BioSIS, VersaTrap cassettes on a calibrated pump.
What's measured: Spore counts per cubic meter of air, identified to genus.
Read by: Direct microscopy under AIHA-LAP EMLAP procedures.
Surface sampling
Methods: Tape lift (Bio-Tape, Zefon Z-Lift) or swab.
What's measured: Genus ID and density rating (light/moderate/heavy).
When to use: Confirming visible growth, post-remediation verification.
Bulk & dust (direct exam)
Sample types: Bulk building material, settled dust, debris.
What's measured: Genus ID and density rating by direct microscopic examination.
When to use: Characterizing growth on materials without culturing.
Need this analysis today?
Ship samples to our Union, NJ intake or schedule field collection. Mold microscopy results typically in 3–5 business days; rush options available.