Advanced and Specialized Testing (VOC, Mycotoxin, Endotoxin, Actinomycetes)

What DNA Testing Detects and Its Limitations

DNA testing provides a unique window into past and present mold exposure. Unlike air or surface testing, which reflect a specific moment or location, dust sampling tells a story about what has settled in the home over time.

What it can detect:

  • Mold DNA in dust from floors, furniture, or HVAC filters
  • Both viable and non-viable mold spores (dead or alive)
  • Mold species associated with water damage, health impacts, or specific conditions

What it can’t detect:

  • Whether mold is actively growing in the home
  • The location of mold sources (it’s a general exposure tool)
  • Particle size or whether exposure was airborne or surface-based

Because it reflects historical exposure, this type of testing is especially useful for:

  • Medically complex individuals (such as those with CIRS or mold-related illness)
  • Evaluating whether a home has residual mold even after remediation
  • Confirming exposure before or after moving into a new space