Spore trap sampling detects airborne mold spores that pass through the cassette during a short, defined sampling window. The results can reflect exposure potential in real time—especially in areas with ongoing activity or known contamination.

However, this method has key limitations that can lead to false negatives if not performed thoughtfully:

• Ambient air sampling alone may miss problems, especially in quiet rooms with settled particles. Mold spores tend to settle quickly due to their weight and shape, so sampling without activity or airflow may underrepresent actual exposure risk.
• Certain molds are heavier and less likely to be airborne without disturbance. Stachybotrys and Chaetomium, for example, may be present on surfaces but not show up in a passive air test.
• Results are time-specific, reflecting just a 5–10 minute moment in a dynamic environment.
• Only the genus of mold is reported, unless additional lab procedures are used.

These factors make spore trap results highly dependent on timing, sampling technique, and environmental conditions at the time of collection.