FAQ

Home / FAQ

FAQ

Do I need to refrigerate my plates?

If you are not going to use your plates within one (1) month of receipt, you can place them in the refrigerator. Please store the plates upside down (agar facing down, label facing up).

Do the plates expire?

Yes, please check the back of the plate for an expiration date.

Do I need to overnight my plates?

No. We like to receive the plates within 5-7 days of the test date. We strongly discourage overnight shipping during freezing weather.

How many different genera (genuses) can the plate test for?

The plates can test for over 50 genera (genuses) of mold, which include all molds associated with indoor air quality problems.

Do you test for mold species?

No, our plates test for mold genera (genuses).

What is the difference between genus and species?

Per www.reference.com:

"Genus and species are part of the biological classification system for living things. A genus encompasses a group of species that are closely related. Species is the most specific level of scientific classification, which typically groups animals that are so similar that, when they breed, they produce fertile offspring."

For example, we will report aspergillus, but we will not tell you if it is aspergillus niger or aspergillus versicolor.

How do I set up an appointment with the consultant?

The consultant will contact you within 72 hours, giving you enough time to thoroughly look over your report and compile a list of any questions you may have.

When can I expect results?

We like to have results sent to you within 10 days of when you took the sample. However, if there is a slow growing mold, we may require additional incubation time.

Any additional tips?

Children and pets are very curious about the testing plates. Please be cautious about putting the plates within their reach during testing.

What if my pet eats the agar in the plate?

The agar is not hazardous to pets. Please contact us to obtain replacement plates.

Do you test for black mold?

Yes, our mold plates do test for Black Mold (Stachybotrys). However, with the agar that we use Stachybotrys can be out-competed for space and nutrients by other molds and may not be able to colonize on the agar plate. It is very rare for Black Mold to grow all alone, and the molds that accompany the Black Mold are easily identified with this testing. As is common with science, no experiment is perfect, but we do believe the gravity plate testing to be the all-around best method of detecting indoor air quality problems that are associated with mold.

What does TNTC mean?

TNTC means "Too Numerous to Count", which indicates more colonies than we could distinguish. This always exceeds the health scale.

What number do I use to compare in the "Interpretation of Results"?

Note: You may click on each of the images below to view a full-size version in your browser.

First, look for the mold counts for each room tested under the "Total Count" column on the front page of the report, as follows:

Next compare your counts to the included health scale under the "Interpretation of Results" section:

The plate has condensation/water on the lid. Can I still use the plate?

Yes, the yellow agar in the bottom of the plates are made of 93% water so condensation is very normal. As long as the plates have at least 1/8” of agar, and are not past their expiration date then they will work well for testing. Rest assured, if your mold testing plates arrive at our laboratory and do not meet our requirements, we will send you replacement plates for just the cost of shipping. Please contact our laboratory if your plates have expired.