Mold Testing
Independent, lab-certified results when you need proof.
Mold testing confirms what type of mold is present and in what quantities, but it’s most powerful when paired with a professional mold inspection that finds the source of moisture. At Mold Shark, we recommend testing when it adds real value—like for court, insurance, clearance, real estate, or when a client simply wants third-party verification.
TEST RESULTS IN
24-48 HOURS
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When Do You Need Mold Testing?
Use testing when documentation or precision matters.
We don’t automatically test on every job; if a visual inspection, InstaScope® screening, thermal imaging, and moisture mapping give a clear answer, we won’t upsell testing.
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Insurance & Legal: Claims, disputes, or court documentation that require third-party lab reports.
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Clearance Testing: Verifying that remediation meets objective criteria before re-occupancy.
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Health Concerns: Sensitive occupants (allergies, asthma, immunocompromised) who need species/level detail.
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Real Estate: Buyers/sellers seeking confidence and disclosure-ready documentation.
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Unresolved Concerns: Persistent musty odors or symptoms despite cleaning/repairs.
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Baseline/Monitoring: Establishing conditions now and tracking changes later.
Types of Testing Methods
Air Sampling
(Spore Trap Cassettes)
Measure what you’re breathing—room by room.
What it is Air Sampling:
Air sampling pulls a measured volume of indoor air through a spore-trap cassette. Particles—including mold spores—are captured on a slide that a lab later examines under a microscope. We always include an outdoor control sample to compare indoor levels against normal outdoor conditions.
When do we use Air Sampling?
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To document overall air cleanliness or confirm elevated areas
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For clearance testing after remediation
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For real estate and insurance files that require lab documents
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When occupants report symptoms (allergies/asthma) and want air data
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Air sampling is one of the most common ways to measure mold in a home or business because it shows what people are actually breathing. The process is simple but highly effective: we use a pump to pull a measured volume of air through a cassette that traps airborne particles, including mold spores, on a slide. That slide is then analyzed by an accredited laboratory under a microscope. To make sure the results are meaningful, we always take at least one outdoor sample the same day. This acts as a control, so we can see what’s normal in the environment and what’s elevated inside. Indoor samples are taken in high-priority areas such as living spaces, HVAC returns, or rooms that show signs of water intrusion. Each sample is carefully labeled, sealed, and documented with a chain of custody before being overnighted to the lab. Within 24–48 hours, we receive a breakdown of spore types and concentrations, which we then interpret in plain language for you. Air sampling is especially useful for clearance testing after remediation, for insurance or real estate documentation, and for clients with ongoing allergy or asthma concerns. It is important to understand that air samples are a snapshot in time and can be influenced by activity levels or airflow, so we never rely on them alone. Instead, we combine the lab results with our InstaScope® real-time readings, moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and visual inspection to give you a complete picture.
Surface Sampling
(Swabs & Tape Lifts)
Verify what that stain really is.
What it is Surface Sampling?
Surface sampling collects a tiny residue from visible growth or suspicious staining using sterile swabs or tape lifts. The lab identifies mold to genus (and often species) directly from that spot.
When do we use Surface Sampling?
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To confirm if discoloration is mold, dirt, or something else
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To identify specific species on a surface (helpful for targeted cleanup)
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For documentation when a landlord, insurer, or contractor needs proof
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Surface sampling is the best way to answer the question: “Is that spot really mold?” When our inspectors encounter visible growth, water stains, or suspicious discoloration, we can collect a residue sample directly from the surface using either a sterile swab or a clear piece of specialized tape. The sample is sent to an accredited lab where microbiologists identify the mold genus, and in many cases, the exact species. This information can be critical when determining whether a stain is harmless dirt, or if it’s a type of mold that requires immediate attention. Surface sampling is often requested by landlords, tenants, or insurance companies who want concrete proof that mold is present. It’s also very useful for remediation planning, since certain species may require more targeted cleanup strategies. As with air samples, we follow strict chain-of-custody protocols so results hold up in disputes or claims. Surface sampling reflects only the specific spot collected and not the overall air quality, which is why we usually recommend it as part of a broader inspection that includes air testing, InstaScope® screening, and moisture mapping.
Bulk Material Sampling
(As Needed)
Deep analysis for unusual or disputed conditions.
What it is Bulk Material Sampling?
A small piece of contaminated material (e.g., drywall, insulation) is submitted to the lab for microscopic and/or culture-based analysis when surface/air alone won’t answer the question.
When do we use Bulk Material Sampling?
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Construction or insurance disputes where material confirmation matters
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Complex assemblies (e.g., layered flooring, EIFS, multi-material walls)
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When a more definitive material assessment is requested by counsel or carrier
Sometimes, the only way to understand the extent of mold contamination is to take a small piece of the affected material and send it to the lab. This is called bulk sampling, and while it’s not needed for every inspection, it can be extremely valuable in certain situations. For example, in construction or insurance disputes, bulk analysis can show how deeply mold has penetrated drywall, insulation, or flooring. It can also confirm whether multi-layered materials, such as tile over wood subflooring, are contaminated beyond the surface. Our inspectors collect the sample with care to minimize disruption, then package and document it with a full chain of custody before shipping it to an accredited lab. The lab examines the material microscopically, sometimes even culturing it, to determine the type and level of mold growth. These results can be critical for deciding whether material must be replaced, cleaned, or simply dried, and they often help contractors and adjusters agree on scope. Because it is a more invasive method, bulk sampling is reserved for cases where it will actually change the outcome of a project, not as a routine step in every inspection.
ERMI / HERTSMI Dust Sampling
Historical context from settled dust (for specialized use).
What it is ERMI Testing?
ERMI/HERTSMI use qPCR to detect mold DNA in settled dust, offering a historical snapshot of mold presence over time rather than just today’s air.
When do we use ERMI Testing?
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For sensitive occupants working with clinicians who request ERMI/HERTSMI
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For homes with long-standing issues where historical burden matters
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For research-style context alongside standard inspection/testing
Dust can tell the story of a home’s history, and ERMI or HERTSMI testing takes advantage of that fact. These specialized methods use DNA-based qPCR analysis to identify mold species present in settled dust samples. Unlike air sampling, which shows only what is circulating at the moment, dust sampling can capture a long-term record of what has been in the environment over weeks or months. This makes ERMI and HERTSMI particularly useful for sensitive occupants working with healthcare providers, or for clients who suspect long-standing problems that may not show up in a single day of air sampling. During collection, we follow strict protocols to gather dust from standardized surfaces, then submit it to a specialized lab. The results are returned as a score with detailed species breakdowns, which we then interpret alongside our inspection findings, moisture maps, and InstaScope® data. These tests are not intended as a pass/fail measure of building health on their own, but when combined with inspection data, they provide powerful context. For the right client, they offer insight into how mold exposure may have impacted the home over time.
VOC Testing
(Volatile Organic Compounds)
Target chemical irritants you can’t see.
What it is VOC Testing?
VOC testing measures the levels of volatile organic compounds in your indoor air. These gases can be released from paints, cleaning products, flooring, furnishings, and other building materials. They’re invisible and odorless in many cases, yet can contribute to headaches, eye/nose irritation, and poor indoor comfort. We use calibrated sampling media and strict chain-of-custody to ensure accuracy, then provide lab-verified results with clear, actionable recommendations.
When do we test for VOC?
We recommend VOC testing when clients experience unexplained odors, persistent irritation symptoms, or when a physician requests data for medical reasons. It’s also useful after renovations, when new materials and finishes may off-gas at high levels.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are gases released from common products and building materials that can quietly impact your indoor environment. They’re found in everyday items like paints, varnishes, adhesives, household cleaners, flooring materials, cabinetry, and even furnishings. In fact, many newly built or recently remodeled homes test higher for VOCs because of all the fresh finishes and off-gassing materials. Even though VOCs are often odorless and invisible, they can contribute to a wide range of discomforts including headaches, dizziness, eye and throat irritation, and overall poor indoor comfort. Sensitive individuals—such as children, the elderly, or those with asthma or chemical sensitivities—may notice these effects most.
At Mold Shark, we test for VOCs using calibrated media and strict lab-approved protocols to make sure results are accurate and defensible. Air samples are collected over a controlled period of time, sealed, and tracked with full chain-of-custody so you can be confident the data stands up for medical or insurance documentation if needed. The samples are then analyzed by accredited laboratories that quantify the specific compounds present and compare them to reference ranges for safe indoor environments.
Mycotoxin Testing
(Selective Use)
Specialized confirmation, only when it helps you decide.
What is Mycotoxin Testing?
Mycotoxin testing looks for toxic byproducts that certain molds may release under specific conditions. We use specialty labs and strict protocols to detect whether these metabolites are present. Results are then interpreted alongside your broader inspection data—visual findings, InstaScope® readings, moisture mapping, and thermal imaging—so you have context and can avoid unnecessary alarm.
When do we use Mycotoxin Testing?
We recommend mycotoxin testing only when requested by a clinician for health evaluations or when legal documentation requires it. Because not every mold problem produces mycotoxins, this test is reserved for situations where it will directly influence medical decisions, insurance claims, or litigation.
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We typically recommend mycotoxin testing when it is requested by a healthcare provider as part of a medical evaluation, or when legal or insurance documentation specifically requires confirmation of toxin presence. In these cases, lab results can support medical guidance, provide evidence for disputes, or strengthen an insurance claim. Outside of those situations, we remain transparent and advise clients when this level of testing would not add real value.
The benefit of this approach is that you get answers that are both meaningful and actionable. If testing shows mycotoxins are present, you’ll know exactly where the contamination is linked within your property and what next steps are appropriate. If results are clean or inconclusive, you’ll avoid unnecessary costs and stress. Either way, you gain confidence that the decision was data-driven and tailored to your unique situation—not a generic upsell.
Report of Findings
After your inspection, and once laboratory results are available, you’ll receive a comprehensive Report of Findings within 24–48 hours. This professional report is designed to give you clear, actionable information—without the technical confusion. It summarizes what we discovered, documents conditions with photos and readings, and provides straightforward next steps to help you protect your property and health.
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Your Report of Findings includes:
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Easy-to-read overview of results and key concerns
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Images of problem areas, infrared scans, and moisture readings Sample Results – Certified laboratory analysis and/or InstaScope® airborne screening results
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Detailed Observations – Notes on visible mold growth, water damage, and
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contributing conditions
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Remediation Protocol – Step-by-step corrective measures based on IICRC,
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ASTM, AIHA standards and Florida laws.
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Next Steps – Plain-language guidance so you know exactly what to do next
