How do you test for mold?

On an initial mold investigation, Pacific IAQ does not always recommend mold sampling.  As degreed scientists, we believe that any test should be conducted with the specific purpose of answering a question. If you have visible mold growth on your wall then we don’t need a surface sample to answer the answer the question “is that mold?”.  If you have a reaction to a specific mold and the question is “is that Aspergillus niger” then a surface sample is a very good option.  In general, mold samples fall into two categories; viable and nonviable, and within each of those categories we can collect air samples, surface samples, or bulk samples. The samples are sent to an accredited laboratory where they are examined under direct microscopy. The type of sample taken depends on the specific question we are trying to answer.Another method that we can use is qPCR analysis. This is a quick sample, with results in about two days, but considerably more expensive. The advantage of qPCR analysis is that we get the most accurate speciation, and the most accurate quantification of the molds present.  This method is typically used in legal cases.