When surface sampling is the right tool
Surface sampling answers a different question than air sampling. Instead of asking "what's floating in the air?" it asks "what's actually growing here?" That's the right question when there's visible discoloration or suspect staining, or when a specific material must be characterized for insurance, legal or health reasons.
Our three methods
Tape lift uses a clear adhesive slide pressed against the surface — the fastest and most common approach for visible growth. Sterile swabs sample hard-to-reach crevices. Bulk samples remove a small piece of the affected material (drywall, insulation, wood) for direct lab analysis.
Laboratory reporting
The lab identifies mold to genus and often species and reports the density of colonies observed. Combined with air sampling and moisture data, this gives you a complete picture of the contamination.
Chain of custody
Every sample is labeled with location, date and time and sealed with tamper-evident tape. Documentation is included in your report — essential for real estate, legal and insurance use.
Cost and timing
Individual surface samples are typically $65–$95 including lab fees and are usually bundled with a full mold inspection. Turnaround matches our standard 3–5 business day lab schedule.