What are Air and Swab Samples?

Air and swab samples are the standard methods of identifying mold.
All samples are analyzed by EMLab P&K an Accredited Lab. 

When there are too many or the wrong kinds of mold spores inside a structure, that can indicate a problem. 

What is a Swab Sample?

A swab sample is a sterile transporter swab that is used to pick up a small amount of the suspected mold like growth for lab identification.

The tip of the swab is gently rolled over the suspected mold growth, reinserted into the sterile container and sent to an accredited lab for identification of mold spore types.

How will lab samples help me to know if I have mold?

A laboratory analyzed swab sample will identify if a suspected material is mold and what type or types. The information from a swab sample can help you in a variety of ways.
This photo is a view of mold growth that is on the inside of a wall. Someone had previously removed a section of the drywall to see inside. *It is my standard of practice to not disturb water damaged and moldy building materials without proper containment.

What is an Air Sample?


This Air-O-Cell cassette is called a spore trap.  Inside the sterile spore trap there is a microscope slide with adhesive on it. I use an electric pump to force 75 liters of room air against the microscope slide, the mold spores and other particulates will stick to the adhesive. ​
The lab will remove the slide, stain it, identify and count the spores.  

Whenever an inside air sample is taken, an outside or baseline air sample is necessary for the comparison. The inside air samples should be in approximate balance or lower than the outside baseline air sample.

When there are too many or the wrong kinds of spores inside a structure, that can indicate a problem. 

It is the combination of a certified mold inspection and sampling results that will give you the information you need to make the best decisions.

Samples are processed by EMLab P&K

EMLab P&K* is the leading commercial indoor air quality (IAQ) laboratory in North America, specializing in the analysis of air and surface samples for mold (fungi), asbestos, bacteria, radon, and allergens. We are affiliated with TestAmerica Laboratories Inc., recognized as the nation's leading environmental testing firm. With over 30 years experience in fungi and bioaerosol analysis, EMLab P&K has helped shape the IAQ industry. We maintain AIHA-LAP LLC, NVLAP, and CA-ELAP accreditations with a goal of providing the highest quality analysis and service in the industry. 
When the quality and accuracy of your data is critical, rely on EMLab P&K, the quality leader.
EMLab P&K Products
The EMLab P&K Products Division has more than two decades of experience with indoor air quality (IAQ) product sales and has helped shape product sales in the IAQ industry. We offer IAQ sampling supplies and testing equipment to support a wide range of clients worldwide. We are an authorized distributor for over 25 manufacturers of high quality IAQ testing equipment and sampling supplies. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. We aim to deliver the best prices and product selection. If you have questions or suggestions for products, contact EMLab P&K Products.
* EMLab P&K is formerly Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc., Aerotech Laboratories, Inc. and P&K Microbiology Services, Inc., operating under consolidated management.