Testing for Mold

Should I hire a professional to test my house for mold?

If you choose to hire a professional, he or she will take indoor and outdoor air samples and compare the values and types. Samples of indoor surfaces may also be taken. After analysis, the professional consultant should be able to provide advice and recommendations for your specific situation. The cost of these services can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. If you decide on this option, make sure the professional that you select includes not just an inspection of your home, but an evaluation and recommendations for remediation.

What are the advantages self-testing?

Usually self-testing is the first testing method to be performed. The advantages of self-testing include:

• Receive results quickly and accurately
• Cost far less than hiring a professional
• Use to double-check a 3rd party inspector
• Identifies if mold is a potential toxin producer
• Easy way to check a suspicious spot or stain
• Use to determine your next steps

What are the different self-testing methods?

LabTech includes both most common methods in your Mold OK Detection Kit and a illustrated collection guide in English and Spanish to help you. The kit includes 6 tape lift samples and excess bags for 4 bulk bag samples.

Mold OK Tape Lift Method

The tape-lifting method is an easy, quick, and reliable way to get a spore sample from a spot or stain that you suspect is mold. This method can also be used to determine the presence of airborne mold spores by sampling household dust particles. Dust particles adhere to airborne mold before falling to a surface. Because mold requires moisture to grow, a thorough inspection of your home for water leaks and moisture should be performed. This includes pipes behind walls, and roof leaks.

Where to sample using the Tape Lift Method:

• Suspicious Stains
• Spots on Walls or Other Porous Materials
• Fresh Dust Particles
• Sites of Recent Leaks
• Under Sinks and Appliances
• HVAC vent covers/grills
• Flooded Areas

Mold OK Bulk Bag Method

If you suspect there is a mold in drywall, or adhering to another object, a small sample can be taken by physically removing a part of the drywall and placing it into a zip lock bag included in your test kit.

Tips on Mold Sampling

There can be multiple types of mold growing on one surface, so it can be beneficial to take multiple samples in areas where mold is covering a greater area. If two areas are different colors, it is best to take samples from each area, however, if the contaminated area appears uniform in color then one sample should be sufficient.

1. Record and photograph the areas that you are sampling. This will help you remember the location.
2. Place each sample into a separate plastic bag (Tape Lift method) or cutting with mold in plastic bag (Bulk Bag method).
3. Do not fold the tape back onto itself.
4. Do not fold or wrinkle the portion of the tape where the sample lies.
5. A location log is provided in the instructions to post the location of multiple samples.

How many tape strips must I use for my Tape Lift Method?

We provide six tape lift sample tapes and 10 plastic bags. You can use as many or as few test strips as you need. There is a separate charge for each test strip submitted as separate evaluations are required for each sample.

What is Expanded Profile Analysis?

The Expanded Profile Analysis takes a closer look at your sample to identify the amount of pollen, dust mites, fibers and skin cells in the sample. See sample report. This information may be valuable to some who are particularly sensitive to these items. It is not necessary to take a separated sample for this analysis. 

How can I pay for analysis?

While registering your sample online at register.aelabs.com, you will input your sample request and any special services, the Test Kit Serial ID, located on the Return Shipper, and Alpha Energy Lab will calculate the cost for the analysis. Alpha accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MC, AmEx, Disc).

Where do I ship my test kit?

We provide a self-addressed lab envelope for mailing your sample to be analyzed. Mail your test sample immediately after sampling along with your Test Kit Serial ID to Alpha Energy Laboratories at 2501 Mayes Road Suite 100 Carrollton, TX 75006.

How do I purchase Rush Analysis service?

Rush Analysis service is available at a cost of $15 per sample in addition to the normal analysis fee. Your lab analysis report will be completed and sent by the end of the next business day after receipt of the sample at the lab.