How to Use a Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit

How to Use a Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit

According to TopTenReviews.com, the Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit is the #1 home mold test kit on the market for 2017, due to its simplicity of use, full-range testing methods, thorough mycology lab analysis (an extra fee), and its American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) certification.

Three Testing Methods

Each test in the Pro-Lab kit requires you to prepare a petri dish by pouring a mold medium, or a growth hormone, into the dish. After the growth hormone hardens, you can use the petri dish in one of three methods to collect a sample.

Settling Plate Method

TopTenReviews claims “that the settling plate method was the easiest test.” (Con—results may vary or prove inaccurate, depending on a room’s level of air circulation.)

1. Wash hands thoroughly (to avoid contaminating the sample).

2. Prepare the petri dish (pour mold medium or growth hormone into the dish).

3. Once the mold hardens, place petri dish on a flat surface and leave for one hour.

4. After one hour, seal the petri dish with a lid and allow it to incubate for a minimum of two days before sending it to the lab for analysis.

Visual Sampling Method

The next method is called the visual sampling method in which you wipe visual mold with a sterile swab (included in the kit). Making sure that mold has adhered to the swab, you transfer the mold to the petri dish. Once the mold has been transferred to the dish, you seal the petri dish and send both the dish and the swab for analysis. (Con—no sample bags are supplied for mailing.)

1. Wash hands thoroughly (to avoid contaminating the sample).
2. Prepare the petri dish (pour mold medium or growth hormone into the dish and allow to harden).
3. Included in the kit is a sterile swab. Use the swab to wipe up a sample of visual mold, making sure that the mold adheres to the swab.
4. Transfer the mold sample to the petri dish.
5. Seal the petri dish and send both it and the swab to the lab for analysis.

HVAC Method

Because many mold issues derive from a home air-conditioning system and heating vents, the last method is the one Pro-Lab most highly recommends. (Con—unlike the first two tests, the HVAC method is more complicated.)

1. Wash hands thoroughly (to avoid contaminating the sample).
2. Prepare the petri dish (pour mold medium or growth hormone into the dish and allow to harden).
3. Attach the petri dish to the vent furthest from the HVAC system. Close all other vents.
4. Run the HVAC system fan for 10 minutes.
5. Seal the petri dish and allow it to incubate for a minimum of two days before sending it to the lab for analysis.

Mailing Samples to the Laboratory

Standard: “Place sample to be tested in the enclosed postage pre-paid envelope along with the information form, and a check, money order (made payable to PRO-LAB®) or credit card payment for $40 (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AMEX only). Mail immediately to PRO-LAB® P.O. Box 267730, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33326-9914. Within seven (7) business days after PRO-LAB® has received your sample, we will email your results that list the type of mold, pollen and dust mites present in your home or office. You may also print and view your results at www.prolabresults.com.”[1]

Expedited: “Express service [two business days] is available for an additional $15, or a total of $55. In order to use the express service, you must send the sample to be tested, information form, and the proper payment to PRO-LAB® using an overnight shipping service such as FedEx, Airborne Express, DHL, UPS or U.S. Mail Priority Overnight. Send the sample to PRO-LAB® 1675 N. Commerce Parkway, Weston, FL 33326. (Express samples can only be received Monday – Friday). Within two (2) business days of our receipt of your sample, you will receive an email of your results. You may also print and view your results at www.prolabresults.com.”[2]

Laboratory Information Form

Mold Information Form

Conclusion

The first step to fighting mold is identifying its presence and precise whereabouts, which is why–even though MoldBlogger is not affiliated with Pro-Lab® or any of its testing products–this information has been provided.

For more information regarding mold, mold prevention, and mold solutions, please check out the rest of MoldBlogger.com.

 

References

[1] “Pro-Lab® Professional Mold Test Kit [Instructions].” Pro-Lab Incorporated. Accessed July 5, 2017. http://www.prolabinc.com/instructions/mold.html.
[2] Ibid.

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About the Author: TheWife is the mother and personal chef of two boys, the domestic technician of a three-bedroom desert home, and occasionally, a freelance writer and editor. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @TheWifesLife

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