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.prolabinc.com/results/.”[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.
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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5 comments
Dear MoldBlogger/the Wife
I cannot get to the website http://www.prolabresults.com to get my results. It wants to download something to my computer every time I try to get to a result button. It also has lottery results. How weird is that? I tried calling Pro Lab but they won’t call me back. Are they for real?
Frustrated and May Have Mold
Dear Janice,
I apologize for the delayed response. As for their “Results” web page, it looks as if there has been an updated address: https://www.prolabinc.com/results/ . I have adjusted the article to reflect that change. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. I assure you that Pro-Lab is, indeed, an authentic and trustworthy company. I hope you are able to receive the information you need from them, and that your mold issues are resolved soon!
Sincerely,
Amanda Demsky (The Wife)
I had 3 kits done and only one had a color “ blue “
Dot.. I don’t have the money to send for testing , just wondering if blue dot is a concern ?
Hello Yolanda,
I completely understand the lack of funds for additional mold testing. Unfortunately, this isn’t a question I can answer with absolute confidence. Firstly, I’d like to direct you to Pro-Lab’s “Contact Us” page, where they encourage any and all visitors to their site to submit questions and comments. Secondly, if you’re referring to what you’re seeing on a petri dish, this page with visuals of toxic mold cultures might be somewhat helpful, if not interesting at the very least. The only trouble with attempting to identify the presence of mold yourself is the fact that you most-likely won’t be able to identify which type and the severity of it. Pro-Lab’s identification process reveals what type it is and whether or not it’s in significant abundance, as well as what stage it’s at in its maturity. I hope this helps.
– Amanda (The Wife)
I completed a test in my home and outside. No mold was present after 48, 72 or 96 hours. I left the petri dish on my counter and mold is present in both after 6 days. Is that normal?