Your lab report will include a list of detected mold species and either a numerical score (for ERMI or HERTSMI-2) or species counts (for Fungi 10). Interpretation depends on the type of test used and the context of your situation.

For ERMI:

• Scores below 2 are generally considered low
• Scores from 2 to 5 are moderate
• Scores above 5 may indicate a concern

For HERTSMI-2:

• A score ≤10 is considered “safe for re-entry” (CIRS context)
• Scores of 11–15 are borderline and may need cleaning
• Scores ≥16 are considered unsafe for sensitive individuals

For Fungi 10:

• Review which species were found and whether they produce mycotoxins
• High levels of Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, or Aspergillus versicolor are red flags
• Consider trends across rooms or retesting after cleaning to monitor progress

If results show elevated levels or concerning molds, the next step may be fine particle cleaning, HVAC inspection, or professional guidance. DNA-based dust testing is not typically used to locate the exact source of mold, but it is one of the best tools available for understanding how much exposure may have occurred over time.