--- title: "Mold testing in Mount Vernon | North Sound Mold Solutions" url: "https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/services/testing" description: "Air and surface mold sampling with laboratory analysis in Mount Vernon and Northwest Washington. Learn when testing helps and what results can tell you." --- Mold testing # Mold testing across Northwest Washington. We know mold testing can be confusing. North Sound offers air sampling and contact (swab) testing for properties in Mount Vernon and Northwest Washington, with samples sent overnight to our professional laboratory. [Request a quote](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/contact-us?service=testing) [Call 360-305-3709](tel:+13603053709) Residential & commercial properties ## Find out what is in your air. Air and surface sampling, sent overnight to our professional laboratory, with a simple report in 1 to 3 business days. We know mold testing can be confusing. North Sound provides air sampling and contact (swab) testing, and we use moisture meters at the same time to see whether the area is wet or damp. If a structure has visible mold, a strong musty odor, moisture problems or high humidity, mold sampling should be completed. Our technicians can perform an indoor air quality test or take surface samples to determine the types of mold present, the amount of mold present and whether any health risks exist. When the mold is plain to see, a test will only tell us what we already know to be true: you have mold. In that case the repairs, moisture control and remediation come first, followed by clearance testing to verify the mold has been removed. Samples go priority overnight to our professional laboratory in Florida, PriorityLab, for analysis by a PhD mycologist. The lab issues a simple-to-read PDF report in 1 to 3 business days. - Air sampling and contact (swab) testing - Analysis by a PhD mycologist - Report in 1 to 3 business days 01 / Mold testing ## Do you need a mold test? Recent medical studies show that mold is one of the most common causes of allergic symptoms, and certain types of mold can cause health disorders. Even when no visible mold is present, people with existing health concerns, or who are immunocompromised, may want an air test to make sure nothing in their air could affect their health and well-being. If a structure has visible mold, a strong musty odor, moisture problems or high humidity, sampling should be completed. When the mold is plain to see, though, a test will only tell us what we already know to be true. In that case the repairs, moisture control and remediation come first, followed by clearance testing to verify the mold has been removed. Further reading: [EPA: mold testing and sampling ](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-testing-or-sampling) 02 / Mold testing ## Air sampling and surface sampling answer different questions. Air sampling captures the air in a room by drawing it across a sticky media inside a cassette. The cassette is attached to a calibrated pump that pulls a set amount of air through it, normally for 10 minutes. The lab then determines the spore types and quantity. All homes have mold. It is the type and amount that can be cause for concern. With no visible mold, we generally start with three cassettes: one outdoor base sample and one per floor, or one for every 800 to 1,000 square feet. The technician decides on arrival whether more are needed, and additional charges apply above the three-sample base price. If visible mold is present, we can take a contact (swab) sample at the area in question, and we use moisture meters there to see whether it is wet or damp at the time. A surface test tells you what types of harmful indoor molds, if any, are present, whether there are spore exposure risks for the occupants, and whether the area is current growth or former growth caused by water intrusion or humidity. It is also what we use for clearance testing after a cleanup. Further reading: [EPA: evaluating completed remediation ](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-7) 03 / Mold testing ## Read the laboratory report alongside the inspection. Samples are sent priority overnight to our professional laboratory in Florida, PriorityLab, for analysis by a PhD mycologist. A report is issued in 1 to 3 business days as a simple-to-read PDF that outlines any issues. We read the report with you. We compare the indoor samples with the outdoor base sample, then look at the types and the counts alongside what we saw and measured in the home. Without a visible moisture condition, tracking down where an elevated count came from can take time, more sampling and sometimes more invasive testing. A lab result is not a medical diagnosis, so questions about symptoms belong with your doctor. Further reading: [EPA: mold testing and sampling ](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-testing-or-sampling) 04 / Mold testing ## Confirm the scope before the visit. Share previous reports, known water damage and any inspection findings when requesting a quote. If a buyer, property manager or another professional has requested testing, provide the actual request so everyone is discussing the same objective. Ask which sample locations are proposed, how laboratory fees fit into the quote and what would lead to additional sampling. Confirm current availability and expected reporting time directly with North Sound, especially when a transaction or another contractor creates a deadline. Get any preparation instructions for your specific visit from the team. 05 / Mold testing ## What about testing after remediation? Clearance, or post-remediation testing, verifies that the mold has been removed. It is a good indicator of whether the scope and quality of a remediation job were completed, whoever did the work. A test is one part of the check. We also look at the finished work and confirm the moisture problem behind it has been dealt with, because a good number means little if the leak is still there. Further reading: [EPA: evaluating completed remediation ](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-7) Continue exploring [Inspection or testing: choose the useful starting point. ](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/blog/inspection-or-testing)[See our tools of the trade ](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/videos) ![](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/images/testing.webp) Based in Mount Vernon ## Start with your questions. A useful first conversation includes: - The question you need testing to answer - Any previous report, inspection or remediation scope - Property location, affected spaces and any decision deadline [Discuss mold testing](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/contact-us?service=testing)[360-305-3709](tel:+13603053709) ## Explore our other services. [All services ](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/services) ### [Mold inspection ](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/services/inspection) Don’t panic. We examine your property, determine the cause and provide solutions. ### [Mold remediation ](https://www.northsoundmoldsolutions.com/services/remediation) Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution. We have the experience to handle yours. ## Tell us what you need testing to answer. Tell us about your property and what you have noticed. 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