When the lab report comes back, you’ll see a count of colony-forming units (CFUs) and a list of mold types that grew. Some reports also include color-coded indicators or general categories like “low,” “moderate,” or “high.”

Things to look for:

• High CFU counts may indicate a source of mold in that area.
• Water-damage-associated molds like Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, or Aspergillus versicolor are red flags.
• Disparities between rooms can help pinpoint areas that need further attention.

If the results are low and show only common outdoor molds, the space may not require any immediate action. However, if the growth is heavy or includes concerning species, follow-up testing, visual inspection, or remediation may be needed.

Gravity plates aren’t meant to replace professional inspections, but they can help guide decisions. Used thoughtfully, they offer a valuable piece of the overall mold investigation puzzle.