How mold air sampling works
A calibrated pump draws a measured volume of air through a spore-trap cassette at a fixed flow rate — typically 15 liters per minute for 5 to 10 minutes. Airborne spores adhere to a sticky slide inside the cassette. The lab counts and speciates them under high-power microscopy.
Why the outdoor control matters
Every project includes at least one outdoor sample. Indoor spore counts have no meaning without knowing what's normal outside on that specific day. Marine-influenced Encinitas air can carry very different backgrounds than inland North County.
What the results tell you
Elevated indoor spore counts of hydrophilic species (Chaetomium, Stachybotrys, some Aspergillus) strongly indicate hidden water damage. Cladosporium is common outdoors and less alarming indoors unless dramatically elevated. Your report interprets all of this in plain language.
Wall-cavity sampling
When we suspect hidden growth but can't see it, we can draw a small-volume sample from inside a wall cavity through a discreet drilled hole — a powerful diagnostic tool that avoids opening up walls unnecessarily.
Turnaround and pricing
Standard 3–5 business day lab turnaround; rush 24–48 hour analysis available. Sample pricing is disclosed up front and no fee is charged for sampling we don't recommend.