Question 1

Is the device and lab accredited?

Accepted Answer

Hi. As the owner of a mold testing firm, I have done thousands of tests over the last 17 years at thousands of sites. I doubt either the device (Mold Detective pump) or lab is accredited.  The pump is said to be calibrated to 15 liter/minute but with a cassette attached the actual flow rate is about 13 liters/minute. The pump flow rate cannot be adjusted. That said, the pump is still useful because it is cheap enough for a homeowner or renter to afford. Better professional pumps (such as the Bioaire Buck) go for about $550 or more). I was skeptical as to the Mold Detective pump but found it gave compare results to using the Buck pump. You can verify the flow rate of the Mold Detective pump with a  rotameter (calibrator) that fits onto the top. Buck offers a rotameter for about $70 that fits into both the Buck and Mold Detective pumps. The flow rate should be measured with a sampling cassette attached. The industry standard is about 15 liter/minute. The nice thing about the Mold Detective pump is that it is cheap enough for homeowner or renter to buy and do own tests. By comparison, hiring a mold consultant might cost $500 or more (but is more reliable). The choice of a lab is very important. The key problem mold is Aspergillus-Penicillium. These are very small and clear mold spores that are best identified using a magnification of x600 or x1000. Unfortunately, many labs use only x400 which often greatly underestimates the presence of Aspergillus-Penicillium. Check with the lab and make sure they offer x600 or x1000. Most national labs will do this if asked (and some always do it).  Be sure to take enough tests to compare problem areas to non-problem areas. Taking an outside test is often helpful to prove indoor levels are different than outside. Another way of testing is do light disturbance with a small fan for one minute and then test - mold spores often settle out and are not detected in normal tests. The Mold Detective pump is not portable and must have an electric source.  Still for the cost involved, it is useful as a back-up pump or for the homeowner/renter. The value of the tests is to provide a low cost check to see if a problem exists (if Asp-Pen >1000 spores/m3 many experts consider this higher than normal and for >5000 to 10,000 to be a definite concern). If the Mold Detective pump and cassettes indicate a problem this may be enough to convince landlord etc to hire a mold consultant for a more thorough assessment. The Mold Detective pump is unlikely to hold up in court. Still, it has it's uses and is certainly much more reliable than the mold home tests with culturable petri plates. I am not familiar with the lab mentioned.  The tests can certainly be sent to other labs. I have had doubtful lab results with a lab from Florida (getting much higher results from my own lab and a different national lab).  When sampling, take photos and fill out a chain of custody as to where the samples were taken and what the flow rate - most labs provide chain of custody forms.  - Moldy Mike

Question 2

The unit comes with one test kit and they cost $27, why does it state that there are extra lab fees?  What is the actual total cost of testing?

Accepted Answer

It's $35 per sample for lab analysis.  This kit comes with two airborne collection sample 'cassettes' and 1 surface sticker sampler.  If you submitted all three it's $105 for lab analysis.  You can pay $15 more per sample for expedited processing.Big note!: the only way you can get any kind of results is by sending these samples into the My Mold Detective lab (and paying $35 per).  This is unlike the petri dish kinds that at least show you if you have mold or not, and if you do, then you send to lab for analysis.

Question 3

do the kits test for black molds the smallest spores

Accepted Answer

The MyMoldDetective detects most active air born spores, Stachybotrys which is a large "heavy" spore can be detected in our air samples.  Most often the conditions are rather moist and the "black" mold spore does not reach the air flow path.  This is why MyMold Detective includes a surface sample to assist with identifying the presence of black mold, it is typically visible very close to the moisture source, then you should use the tape lift surface sample.  If the "black" mold is found in the MMD Air Sample ore the Surface sample, MMD recommends consulting with an accredited, experienced Indoor Air Quality professional to provide more comprehensive investigation of the property.   Remember mold testing is one of many tools too help Property Owners if mold is an issue with Their property.   The MMD test kit is a screening device, and it's method is real and accurate with IAQ Pros. If lab results are not typical/abnormal MMD will recommend additional investigation by a qualified third party.  They won't leave you hanging, it's your choice to take the advice or not.  Good Luck!

Question 4

Am I better to test with the furnace running or off?

Accepted Answer

Looks like you are using the Mold Detective pump for airborne mold tests? As a mold consultant, I have performed mold tests on >2000 buildings over the last 16 years.. In general, you are better to test under NORMAL conditions. This is usually with the furnace running.  Another type of test is to turn off the furnace, slap the outside of the furnace once or twice, turn the furnace back on and then take an air sample by a supply air vent near the furnace. For airborne mold tests, we recommend taking BOTH standard (undisturbed) airborne tests and  lightly disturbed tests (use small fan swept near floor for one minute) and then take a "disturbed" airborne test. This should especially be done in basements.  When sending in the samples, make sure the lab doing the analysis does at least x600 or x1000 magnification. Labs that only use x400 greatly underestimate the key problem mold Aspergillus-Penicillium. The larger national labs often do this. Smaller labs may not unless you specifically request it If your results show >1000-2000 spores/m3 of Asp-Pen, you may have a mold concern.  I have lots of information on my web site but understand Amazon does not share this information to the questioner. I have used the Mold Detective pump and it does work. Take tests in the middle of the room, about 3-4 ft above the floor (in breathing zone). From moldymike

Manufacturer	My Mold Detective
Country of Origin	USA
Item model number	MMD100
Product Dimensions	8.89 x 8.89 x 18.42 cm; 453.59 g
ASIN	B00E3QV82Q

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