Mold Testing Guide

ImmunoLytics’ step-by-step mold testing guide covers everything from collecting your sample to reading your lab report — so you know exactly what’s growing in your home.

Collection Help

Analysis Help

What type of mold test kit should I use for my home?

The right kit depends on what you need to test. Air sampling plates (Petri dishes) are ideal for testing overall air quality in rooms. Swab kits are best for testing visible mold growth on surfaces. For a comprehensive assessment, the ImmunoLytics Quickstart Kit includes both air plates and swabs so you can test multiple locations and surfaces in one order.

How do I collect a mold air sample correctly?

To collect an air sample, open the Petri dish lid and expose the plate in the room for one hour with normal airflow — fans off, windows closed for at least 4 hours prior to sampling. Place the plate 3–4 feet off the floor in the center of the room. After one hour, replace the lid, seal with the provided tape, label with location and date, and mail to our lab. Avoid exposing plates near vents, in high-traffic areas, as this can artificially elevate results.

How long does it take to get mold test results?

After your samples arrive at the ImmunoLytics lab, standard processing takes 5–7 business days. Your results will be emailed to you as a PDF lab report showing colony counts per plate, identified mold species, and a risk-level interpretation. Expedited processing options may be available — contact us for current turnaround times.

What is the difference between air plate testing and swab testing?

Air plate testing captures mold spores actively circulating in a room’s air. It tells you what people are breathing. Swab testing samples mold that is growing on a specific surface — like a wall, duct, or window frame. Air plates are better for whole-room exposure assessment; swabs are better for pinpointing a source. If you see visible mold growth, a swab tells you exactly what type of mold it is. If you suspect hidden mold but see nothing, air plates reveal what’s in the air.

What do I do after I receive my mold test results?

Once you receive your lab report, compare your colony counts against the ImmunoLytics reference scale: 0–4 is normal background, 5–8 may contribute to illness, and 9+ indicates hazardous levels requiring action. If you have elevated counts or concerning species like Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, or Aspergillus, schedule a consultation with a certified Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) supervised by JW Biava, CMI, CMRC. Our team can help you interpret your results and develop a safe remediation plan.

About ImmunoLytics

ImmunoLytics is a certified mycology laboratory based in Albuquerque, NM. Our mold testing guides are developed under the supervision of JW Biava, CMI, CMRC, a Certified Mold Inspector and Certified Mold Remediation Contractor with decades of field experience. We provide direct-to-consumer mold testing kits analyzed by real lab scientists — not instant home tests — so you can trust your results when making decisions about your home and health.

This mold testing guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or environmental advice. If you have health concerns related to mold exposure, consult a licensed healthcare provider. For environmental assessment, consult a certified Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).

Explore testing resources: mold kit video guide · written mold testing guide · bacteria testing guide · dust history testing guide

self-analyzing mold plates · self-analyzing bacteria plates · understanding your results · swab analysis