Our favorite testing kit is the LabTech MoldOk Detection Test Kit because it’s affordable, can sample multiple areas, and includes an expert consultation. With the resulting information, you can get the peace of mind you’re looking for while making all of the necessary arrangements to remove harmful fungi. Here are the best at-home mold tests that are easy to use and effective. This isn’t a self-reporting mold testing kit, so you will need to send samples to the AIHA-accredited lab for analysis, but the $15 testing fee per sample is significantly lower than the fees associated with other testing kits. The mold analysis will indicate the type of mold spores present in a sample, along with their relative concentration (minor, moderate, or heavy). In addition, you can take advantage of the free expert consultation hotline to discuss more details about the results. A unique feature of this at-home mold testing kit is the option to test samples for an expanded profile that also indicates the presence of pollen, dust mites, fibers, and skin cells present in the sample. The add-on testing incurs an additional $15 fee, but it can be useful when assessing whether or not mold or other allergens may be causing discomfort or health complaints for you or your family. Price at time of publish: $10 Described as a “mold inspector in a box,” each DIY Mold Test Kit includes the lab analysis fees for three samples and provides the genus and concentration of any mold spores. You’ll receive a testing report, along with the option for a free consultation to better understand the results. Price at time of publish: $34 A major perk of this at-home testing kit is the fact that you’ll know right away if you have mold growth from some of the most dangerous genera—aspergillus, penicillium, and stachybotrys. Two rapid tests using lateral flow assay technology provide results in five minutes. The testing method has been validated in an EPA-licensed and AIHA-accredited laboratory and eliminates the need to wait days for results from a lab. Swab a single spot for individual analysis of an area or sample from multiple places in the home to determine if you have a mold problem that needs to be addressed with further testing. As an added value, the Healthful Home 5-Minute Mold Test Kit offers an expert consultation if you do receive a positive test result. Like many other self-evaluated mold test kits, you can opt to send in samples for laboratory testing. The kit includes sealed swabs and a pre-paid return envelope for your convenience, but keep in mind that lab testing will incur an additional fee. Price at time of publish: $36 After following the kit’s instructions for use, you’ll need to send in the samples for professional laboratory evaluation. Keep in mind that the testing fee for each sample is $35, and you’ll also pay the cost of shipping the samples to the AIHA-accredited lab. However, many people will find the cost of the kit plus the lab fees to be more economical than a home visit from a professional for a mold evaluation. You’ll receive color-coded lab results indicating which types of mold are present in the samples, along with their relative concentration levels (normal, slightly elevated, or elevated). It’s nice to know that you can reuse the air pump for future at-home mold testing and separate sample cassettes are available for purchase. Price at time of purchase: $90 One of the advantages of this budget at-home mold test kit is that you’ll typically be able to determine if you have mold growth within 48 hours of collecting a sample. If you want a lab analysis to determine the type of mold, you can mail the sample to Mold Armor’s AIHA-accredited facility. Keep in mind that this will give you more detailed results, but will also increase the price of this budget test kit as each sample costs $40 to analyze. Price at time of publish: $10 Designed for surface or bulk sampling, you can use the Health Metric Mold Test Kit to evaluate areas of concern. Tape strips are included for sampling just about any flat surface (including walls, fixtures, carpeting, and more), or you can send in a sample of bulk material, such as drywall or fibers. While plenty of surfaces can be tested using this kit, take note that it’s not designed for air sampling. If that is an area of concern, you’ll need to use a different mold testing kit for testing the air. Once you’ve completed sample collection, send in three samples for professional analysis in an AIHA-accredited laboratory. You won’t pay additional testing fees or return shipping costs—these costs are covered in the initial purchase price of the at-home mold testing kit. However, you won’t have any clues as to whether or not you’re dealing with mold growth until you receive your testing report since there is no self-analysis option with this at-home mold testing kit. The good news is you won’t have to wait long for testing results. Health Metric promises to return results in five to seven days after receiving samples at the laboratory. If mold growth is present in a sample, the testing report will include the type of mold present, along with an indicator of its relative quantity (the report uses minor, moderate, or heavy growth indicators). Price at time of publish: $90 Price at time of publish: $300
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited at-home mold test kit can help you have more confidence in the results you receive. For lab-tested mold kits, check to see if the laboratory you’re submitting samples to has received accreditation from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and other professional organizations, as noted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Result Type
There are two ways of receiving results from an at-home mold test: self-analysis or lab reporting. If you choose a test kit that requires lab reporting, you’ll submit samples (typically collected by a tape strip, swab, or petri dish) to a laboratory for analysis by an expert. Usually, this involves waiting a week or more for results and may incur additional fees for each sample submitted. However, you’ll receive a report that identifies the genus of mold growing, along with its relative concentration. For self-report mold test kits, you can read results from your test kit within about 48 hours, although a rapid test can provide results in just a few minutes. If you’re on the fence about which type of test is right for you, keep in mind that some self-report mold kits can also be submitted to a laboratory once you see evidence of growth. The laboratory analysis will confirm the type of mold present in your sample.
Number of Samples
Mold tests will include the supplies for collecting one or more samples. If you have a number of surfaces to test, choose a testing kit that includes enough supplies to collect all of the required samples. Keep in mind that some kits for lab testing only include the analysis fee for a specified number of samples. If you submit additional samples, you’ll need to pay a fee for each one.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Erica Puisis, who has been researching strategies to improve everyday life and health for The Spruce since 2017. To find the best options for at-home mold testing kits, she considered a wide range of products that include both self-monitored and lab-evaluated options. When comparing options, she considered the type of test, the number of samples for each kit, how long it takes to receive results, the cost of any necessary lab fees, and whether or not additional help is available from an expert. All of the at-home mold testing kits on this list that are lab-evaluated are handled by an AIHA-accredited facility. When using an at-home mold test kit for basic evaluation, be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for testing for the best results. If you choose a test kit that includes lab evaluation, ensure that the lab has been accredited by the AIHA. It should be noted that the EPA’s stance on mold sampling is that it should be conducted by professionals with experience in the collection and interpretation of results related to mold testing. While not required by federal or state regulations, you may choose to use an at-home mold testing kit to evaluate a previously contaminated surface for the presence of mold. In the research process, we also interviewed Dr. John Balmes, a professor of medicine at UCSF and professor of environmental health sciences in the School of Public Health at UC Berkley. He shared insights on the most common types of residential mold, as well as the conditions that are most favorable for its growth. In addition, we spoke to Elías Rodríguez, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for Region 2 of the EPA, regarding testing guidance and the role that moisture plays in the development of mold growth.
