ERMI Molecular Mold Analysis
A detailed look at selected fungal DNA in settled dust.
Assured Bio uses mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR) to identify and quantify the 36 fungal targets included in the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) panel.
Your report includes individual target concentrations and a calculated ERMI score. Interpret these findings alongside sampling conditions, moisture observations, and the building’s history.
oducts/dust-collector/”>Inspectors: Shop Dust Collectors
Understanding the index: EPA developed ERMI for research and does not recommend routine public use. An ERMI score is not a health-risk threshold or a determination that a building is safe or unsafe.
What Does ERMI Measure?
The panel measures 36 fungal targets divided into two groups. Both groups contribute to the calculated index.
Group 1 · 26 Targets
Fungi associated with water-damaged homes in the research used to develop ERMI. Individual concentrations provide more detail than the overall score alone.
Group 2 · 10 Targets
Common background fungi used as the comparison group in the index. These measurements come from the same submitted dust sample; they are not a separately collected outdoor control.
How the Score Is Calculated
The ERMI score is the sum of the base-10 logarithms of Group 1 concentrations minus the corresponding sum for Group 2.
Because the score combines two groups, different fungal profiles can produce similar scores. Review the individual target results alongside the index and the conditions under which the sample was collected.
Collecting & Submitting Your ERMI Sample
ERMI analyzes settled dust. Follow the current kit instructions or laboratory-approved sampling protocol so the collection area, method, and sample history are documented.
1. Collect Settled Dust
Use the specified dust collection device and follow the instructions for sampling locations, area, and collection time. Combine locations only as directed.
Contact the laboratory before substituting another collection method. Sampling methods can affect results and their comparison with the original ERMI reference data.
2. Document & Submit
Seal and label the collection device. Complete the Chain of Custody form, select ERMI, and identify the rooms or locations represented by the sample.
Record relevant collection details and follow the laboratory’s packaging and shipping instructions.
Standard turnaround: 3 business days. The day the sample arrives at the laboratory is day zero. Contact the laboratory about rush availability before shipping.
How to Collect an ERMI Dust Sample
Watch the collection demonstration, then follow the current instructions supplied with your kit. Contact the laboratory if the video differs from those instructions.