Choosing a mould sampling method
IRIS Environmental Laboratories · 2 min read
Air, surface or bulk: match what you see on site to the right mould sample, and know when testing is expected after water damage, in sales, in schools and after remediation.
Sign in to save your place and download the material.
Each mould method answers a different question. Match your situation to the method before you pull a sample.
Match the situation to the sample
| Situation | Sample |
|---|---|
| Musty odour, occupant symptoms or IAQ complaint, with no visible growth | Air (spore trap) |
| Visible staining or suspected growth on walls, ceiling or HVAC | Surface tape lift |
| Water-damaged drywall, insulation or ceiling tile, before demolition or during remediation | Bulk tape lift |
| Post-remediation clearance | Air and surface |
| Full building assessment by an IH or consultant | Air, surface and bulk |
The three methods
| Method | Standard | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Air, spore trap | ASTM D7391-20 | Is mould airborne, at what concentration, which genera? |
| Surface, tape lift | ASTM D7658-17(2021) | Is the growth fungal, which genera, how dense? |
| Bulk, tape lift or direct | ASTM D7658-17(2021) | What is growing on this material, and how much? |
All three are AIHA-LAP EMLAP accredited (Lab ID 173498), with results in 3 to 5 business days. Combining air and surface gives the most complete picture.
When testing is expected
- Water damage and flooding: any water intrusion creates mould risk within 24 to 48 hours. Insurance adjusters increasingly require air sampling before and after remediation, and IICRC S520 recommends pre- and post-remediation testing.
- Real estate and pre-occupancy: NJ real estate disclosure requirements cover known mould conditions. In HUD-assisted housing, mould conditions must be documented and remediated.
- Schools, daycares and healthcare: EPA Tools for Schools guidance recommends IAQ testing that includes fungal sampling. Clearance air sampling after HVAC cleaning or renovation confirms occupant safety.
- Remediation and restoration: IICRC S520 requires clearance testing to document successful remediation. Post-remediation air sampling must show spore levels comparable to the outdoor reference.
What comes in the kit
Air-O-Cell cassettes for air, tape lift slides for surface and bulk, the COC form and a prepaid overnight FedEx label. Spore trap and tape lift samples need no refrigeration.
Start the mould COC. Not sure which method fits? Contact the lab or email support@irislaboratories.com and they will recommend the right approach.
Mould
Spore traps, swabs, tape lifts and bulk. Air and surface on one form.
Start this COCDownloads
Downloads are behind sign-in.
Sign in to download