Disclaimers
Foundation & Decision-Making in Mold Testing
Gravity Plates (Petri Dish Tests)
Surface Sampling (Swabs and Tape Lifts)
Air Sampling (Spore Trap Cassettes)
DNA-Based Dust Testing (ERMI, HERTSMI-2, Fungi 10)
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