Directions:
There are 3 testing methods to tell if you have a mold problem. The indoor air quality test method tests the indoor air for mold spores. The air conditioning and heating sampling method tests the air from a forced air heating and air conditioning unit.
The surface sampling testing method is used if you already have mold growing and want to know the type of mold it is. Some types of mold are more dangerous to your health so it is important to know the type of mold you have. You must send a mold sample to our lab for analysis and we will tell you the mold type within 3 weeks.
Preparing the Petri Dish
Remove the petri dish from the plastic bag and place it on a level surface with the lid side up. Remove the lid of the petri dish and pour the mold growth medium (potato dextrose) into the dish bottom. Replace the lid and swirl gently until the bottom is completely covered. Allow to gel for one hour on a level surface.
Indoor Air Quality Test Method
Place the prepared petri dish on a level surface in the location where you want to test for mold. Remove the lid of the petri dish and leave it open to the environment for 1 hour. After one hour replace the lid and allow to incubate for 48 hours. If there is no mold present within 48 hours, re-check the dish at 72 hours and 96 hours to be sure that no slow growing mold were overlooked. If mold growth is present after the incubation period, you may send the petri dish to our lab for analysis on the type of mold present. If no mold is present after 96 hours then no mold was detected.
HVAC Air Sampling (Tape is required)
Mold can also come from your heating and air conditioning unit. To test, locate the air exhaust vent that is furthest away from the furnace. After preparing the petri dish, remove the lid and tape the open dish against the open-air vent. Close all of the remaining air vents that are on the system. Turn the system fan on high for a 10-minute period, allowing forced air to hit the inside surface of the petri dish. After 10 minutes remove the petri dish, replace the lid, and allow to incubate for 48 hours. If no mold is present after 48 hours, re-check the dish at 72 hours and 96 hours to be sure that no slow growing mold were overlooked. If mold growth is present you may send the petri dish to our lab for analysis on the type of mold you have. If no mold is present after 96 hours, then no mold was detected.
Visual Sampling
Locate the visual mold growth. Take the enclosed sterile swab and wipe the tip across the visual mold growth. Be sure the mold adheres to the swab. Open the small bottle of mold growth medium. Insert the swab with mold on it and stir it in the mold medium. Pour the mold growth medium into the petri dish. Allow to gel on a level surface for 48 hours. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE TYPE OF MOLD GROWING YOU MUST SEND THE PETRI DISH WITH THE MOLD GROWTH TO OUR LAB FOR ANALYSIS.
Optional Lab Analysis
Optional Lab Analysis (Cost: $40.00)
Some types of mold, like toxic mold, are more dangerous to your health than others. It is important to determine the type of mold you have growing. To do this you will need to mail the mold sample to our lab for analysis. The cost for the analysis is $40.00 and you will receive results within 3 weeks.
REVIEW LABEL FOR COMPLETE USAGE DETAILS.
