- For wet or heavily soiled surfaces
- Uneven, soft, and porous surfaces
- In tough to reach spaces
- When you suspect mold but don’t see active growth
- When growth is visible
- For hard, flat, nonporous surfaces
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The Mold Direct Exam, aka MoldScan. Sample is collected with a swab or tape-lift for a quick, easy, and low-cost solution for detecting mold in your home. Utilizing advanced microscopy techniques, this is the ideal option for a mold screening or preliminary investigation. When mold is detected, results are reported as present and qualitative amounts provided (low, medium, high) for 36 mold spores and other fungal structures. Which Collection Method Should I Use? Use a Swab -
BIG 2 Molecular Mold KIT Our most affordable Molecular (DNA) Mold Analysis, the BIG 2 provides unparalleled insights about the mold concentration in a home. The BIG 2 is a complete screen for the common water intrusion molds that include Stachybotrys (commonly referred to as toxic Black Mold) and Penicillium/Aspergillus species. The BIG 2 can be configured to include other key indicator molds for indoor health and structural decay. Results from a BIG 2 analysis can be used to
- Screen up to eight locations with a single swab
- Detect surface mold growth
- Determine the severity of mold contamination
- Identify the concentration of allergenic and mycotoxin producing molds
- Aspergillus / Penicillium Genus identification. Known for colonizing water damaged environments. Mycotoxin producing molds with small allergenic spores.
- Stachybotrys chartarum Species identification. Commonly known as toxic “black mold,” it produces spores with potent mycotoxins that cause severe respiratory issues and memory issues1, degrades wallpaper and coverings, while off-gassing profuse noxious odors called MVOCs.
- Cladosporium Species identification. This common allergenic mold thrives around HVAC diffusers and drafty windows. It colonizes surfaces where hot humid air meets cold air and water condenses. A recommended addition when HVAC contamination is suspected.
- Chaetomium Species identification. Colonizes wet floors and baseboards. It prefers softwoods like pine, wallpaper and textiles. Often visible as tiny black spots under carpet on tack board and subfloors. Produces mycotoxins and mutagens. Recommended when evidence indicates long-term water intrusion, slow leaks, and infiltration from heavy rainfall events.
- Trichoderma Species identification. This mold colonizes water saturated wood and is a precursor to structural wood-rot. Recommended for persistent, long-term water intrusion scenarios.
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The CAP test is derived from the names of the dominant indoor molds Cladosporium, Aureobasidium, Penicillium with species selection based on their prevalence of EPA identified water intrusion molds1. The CAP-14 and CAP-15 are top selling tests for health-related and mycotoxin mold issues. Originally developed by Dr. Joseph Sturgeon, the CAP tests are used for assessing mold exposure in a home. Assured Bio later improved this test by converting sample collection to a swab from the original air pump and filter method. Key Features:
- Comprehensive Mold Detection: species were selected for their allergenic and toxic properties.
- Species Specificity: detects and quantifies molds relevant for indoor exposures and compromised health.
- Dust Sampling: designed to analyze dust from any surface collected with a sterile swab.
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The ERMI test is an industry standard that offers a highly accurate and easy-to-understand method for assessing mold presence and health risks in a home. This analysis was developed by the EPA with the sample collected by vacuuming dust from carpet. For non-carpeted spaces, select the Survey of Indoor Mold KIT (SIM). Key Features:
- Comprehensive Detection: This panel includes 36 mold species, with 26 linked to water intrusion events such as Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus versicolor, and Penicillium chysogenum. The remaining 10 species are exterior molds that act as the outdoor control.
- Carpeted Space Sampling: This test is specifically designed for carpeted spaces, with samples vacuumed from the carpet into a sterile dust collector (included with purchase). If your space lacks carpet, consider the SIM KIT, which tests for the same 36 mold species collected from dust on any surface.
- ERMI Score Included: The ERMI score, which ranges from -10 to 20, provides a relative moldiness index based on the levels of mold present. A higher score indicates a higher potential for mold-related health risks.
- User-Friendly: Receive an easy-to-understand report that clearly outlines the findings, helping you take informed action.
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Survey of Indoor Molds (SIM) molecular analysis screens for 36 species, aligned with the EPA’s ERMI analysis standards. Perfect for non-carpeted spaces and settled dust from any surface. For the best results, sample dust accumulated within the last two weeks. Key Features:
- Whole house sampling: collect dust from one to ten locations with a single swab.
- Detailed Identification: every mold spore is identified and quantified.
- Mold Identification: identify historical, recent and current mold growth in a home.
- Rapidly determine the root cause of mold contamination.
- Develop a Mold Timeline: Location and sample settled dust with a sterile swab. Wipe down location(s), wait one week and resample newly settled dust in the same location(s) with a second swab.
