Mold testing professionals and other users should consider several factors in choosing a mold testing laboratory. This article refers to laboratories that specializes in identification and enumeration of mold and bacteria commonly detected in air, fluids and bulk samples collected from homes, schools, offices, hospitals, industrial, agricultural, and other work environments. Mold testing laboratories are generally not regulated by provincial or federal agencies. Consequently, it is important for mold testing professionals to investigate these laboratories by obtaining information about their performance, operation, and service before sending mold samples for analysis. A mold testing professional requires assurance that the test results will be of quality, be credible, and meaningful. Specific guidelines are discussed here to aid the mold testing professional in evaluating a mold testing laboratory.

Factors to Consider
Test Methods - The use of appropriate test methods is very important in order to accurately identify and/or enumerate mold spores or colony forming units (CFU) in an air sample.

Laboratory Proficiency - The proficiency of a laboratory refers to its ability to produce accurate and precise test results. It is difficult for a laboratory to independently assess this factor. Thus, reputable labs participate in AIHA sponsored EMPAT program. The Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) Program is a voluntary performance evaluation program, administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), for environmental microbiology laboratories. A main purpose of the EMPAT is to provide proficiency testing samples to laboratories who wish to monitor and improve the quality of their mold testing data. Participating laboratories receive a summary of their performance for each field of testing (FoT). Continued self-evaluation and adjustment improves the integrity of the mold test results. A prospective client should ask the laboratory management if they are members of the EMPAT program.

Laboratory's EMPAT Results - It is important that a representative of the laboratory review with the potential client their EMPAT quarterly test results with those summarized for all EMPAT participating laboratories. Information for each FoT of interest to the client should be included. Mold testing professionals should ask for this comparison in order to make a good decision about a laboratory. Some laboratories that participate in the EMPAT program are not proficient.

Other Customers - The potential client should ask the laboratory to provide the names and telephone numbers of some customers. This allows the mold testing professional to evaluate the laboratory from the perspective of users like themselves.

Laboratory Results - Ask a laboratory representative for copies of sample results and ask them to explain the meaning of the units if they are unclear.

Turn-Around Time - Ask how long it takes the laboratory to do the routine mold testing and return the results. In order for the results and recommendations to be useful, the turn-around time must be as short as possible. A good laboratory should be able to provide the results in two to three working days for the routine mold tests of direct microscopic examination. It is also very important to make sure the laboratory does not sacrifice accuracy by short cutting the methods to attain this turn-around time. It is a good idea to check the turn-around time with those who have used the laboratory.

Visiting the Laboratory – Where possible, it is important to visit the mold testing laboratory before submitting samples. A representative of the laboratory should not hesitate to show a potential client the testing area. During the visit, observe the orderliness and cleanliness of the work area. Ask how the samples are handled. In addition, ask how the data is handled and ask about quality control that is used.

Sampling Supplies - Most mold testing laboratories supply test media such as agar, air-0-cells, and swabs to their customers. Find out about the supplies and how they are obtained from the laboratory.

Professionals Mycologists - Find out if the laboratory has professionals who are trained in mycology (the study of molds and yeasts) or microbiology to work with the customer. Before deciding on a mold testing laboratory, visit the laboratory and meet with a professional to discuss concerns about testing mold. When visiting a laboratory, ask to review the educational credentials of the professionals. Find out about the training background of the analysts.

Laboratory Test Prices - Prices for mold testing often vary greatly from one laboratory to the next. Ask about the prices. Determine if the price for each test or test package is given in writing. Also find out if discounts are given for large numbers of samples and whether prices are negotiable.


If you’re looking for a mold testing laboratory, please call 905-290-9101.

The awareness of the impact of mould growth in buildings and facilities is increasing every day. People not only consider mould unsightly in homes and workplaces, but they are also aware it can effect the indoor air quality and cause or exacerbate health symptoms. Many claims for damages, replacement of building materials and health effects as a result of exposure to mould have also been filed successfully across north America and more so in the USA.

MBL provides a unique, comprehensive one-day mould training course on how to recognize indoor mould, how to develop effective sampling strategies, how to interpret laboratory results and how to pprevent mould growth in homes and work environments. This course has been designed to aid those who would like to learn more about how to investigate mould problems in a building, current mould guidelines/remediation techniques. Participants will gain an understanding of where and what types of moulds are typically found in the natural environment, what factors influence the growth of moulds in indoor environments, tools and techniques to identify moulds, health effects associated with mould exposure, classification of work for remediation techiniques, Canadian Construction Association mould guideliness and other guidelines, and prevention of mould growth.

The course is intended for OHS/EHS Specialists, Building Maintenance Personnel, Health and Safety Committee Members, and Plant and Operations Mangers.

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) is pleased to offer the Mold Training Course on October 30, 2008. Learn how to recognize mold, perform effective sampling, and interpret laboratory results. For course fee and other details, please click Mold Training Course.

We have compiled a short flash video demo on how to sample air for airborne fungal total spore counts. To see the video, please click Air Sampling For Total Fungal Spore Counts.

After seeing the video, please be kind enough to suggest how we could improve the video.

We have compiled a short flash video on how to sample for mould using clear scotch tape. To view the video click "How To Sample For Mould Using Clear Scotch Tape". For comments or questions regarding the video or mould sampling please call (905)290-9101

Mold spores are tiny propagative units similar in function to plant seeds but they do not contain preformed embryo. They can be produced by sexual or asexual means.

Types of Mold Spores
Various terms are used to describe mold spores:

• Ascospores: spores produced by ascomycetes, e.g., those of the mold Chaetomium;
• Basidiospores: spores produced by basidiomycetes e.g., those of mushrooms;
• Conidiospores (conidia): spores produced by most members of the deuteromycetes, e.g., those of molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys;
• Sporangiospores and Zygospores: spores produced by Zygomycetes, e.g., those of the mould Rhizopus.

Some mold spores can remain viable for many years.

Metalworking fluids are used to cool and/or lubricate metal works during machining, grinding, cutting, milling, etc. MWFs can get contaminated when good hygiene practices are not followed or when fluids are not properly managed or maintained. Bacterial and fungal contamination of metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a major concern in the industries which use these fluids. Contamination may cause equipment malfunction, off-odors, degradation in the fluid quality, economic losses and finally, they pose as a major health hazard. Several Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria are found as contaminants. These include Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp. and Coliforms. Fungal contaminants include, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Cephalosporium sp.

Major health concerns of bacterial and fungal Contaminated metalworking fluids include skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, occasionally, breathing difficulties such as bronchitis and asthma. Learn more about contamination of metalworking fluids.