The Best Mold Test Kits of 2017
Angie Parkinson of Top Ten Reviews recently evaluated the top ten mold test kits on the market and rated them according to cost, testing and analysis capabilities, adequacy of supplies, and the type and availability of customer support. You can read her full report here.
Cost
In Ms. Parkinson’s evaluation of cost, she considered the price of the kit, as well as the cost for laboratory analysis of the resulting sample. Many companies charge a separate fee for analysis, which would make the kit appear more affordable, only to later surprise the consumer who had not read the fine details.
Testing Capabilities
In assessing this, Ms. Parkinson took into consideration the usability of the kit, the timing involved, the quantity of tests available in each kit, the capability to do surface swab tests, the capability to obtain air quality samples via both settled plates or HVAC procurement, the possibility of reliable outdoor testing, the option of sending the lab a physical specimen from within the home for testing (dry wall, etc.), and the kit’s potential for identifying and differentiating between bacteria, mold, yeast, or general fungal growth.
Laboratory Analysis Capabilities
In regard to laboratory analysis of the sample(s), Ms. Parkinson examined whether mail-in lab analyses were available and if so, if an extra fee was involved. She also considered what the turn-around times were for each kit. (Pro-Lab, for example, takes only five days from the time the sample arrives at the lab, to the time the company contacts the customer with the results.) Most importantly, Ms. Parkinson was sure to note which kits were AIHA-certified. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is very particular about which laboratories they trust. If dangerous mold should be discovered in a home, a mold removal specialist may not be willing to use the mold test kit results if the laboratory that made the analysis is not AIHA-certified.
Adequacy of Supplies
In terms of supplies, Ms. Parkinson was looking for the following: petri dish, swab, physical sample bags, adhesive strip, and a listed expiration date. In her report, she states her reasoning: “It is important to find a mold test kit that includes all of the equipment necessary to collect complete samples. If a test kit is able to collect surface samples but does not include swabs or adhesive strips, you will have to look elsewhere to buy these items at an added cost. Usually, you can determine the types of tests the kit can perform by looking at the included supplies.”
Type and Availability of Customer Support
For customer support, four key types are listed: telephone, email, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) referenced either online or in the instruction manual, and video tutorials. In her own words, Ms. Parkinson describes their importance and which kits scored well: “Reputable mold test companies include their telephone numbers and email addresses on their websites. In addition to contact information, you might want to select a company that has strong support options, including FAQs and video tutorials. Aside from our top two products, the Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit and the Home Mold Laboratory Viable Mold Test Kit, you can find full customer support with IAQ Healthful Home’s 5-Minute Mold Test and the Mold Check Whole House Mold Test.”
Below are the ten mold test kits she reviewed, listed in order of award rating:
#1: —Gold Award— Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit
#2: —Silver Award— Home Mold Laboratory Viable Mold Test
#3: —Bronze Award— Mold Armor
4. EDLab Evalu-Air Basic
5. EDLab Allergen Screen Test
6. IAQ Pro 5-Minute Home Mold Test
7. MoldCheck Whole House Mold Test
8. ImmunoLytics Value Test Kit
9. First Alert MT1
10. EDLab Mold Screen Test
To view Ms. Parkinson’s detailed reports for each kit, simply click on the titles.
While we at MoldBlogger greatly appreciate the most excellent and impressively thorough reports made by Angie Parkinson, we are not affiliated with her or Top Ten Reviews, nor any of these mold test kit companies. This information is simply provided in the hopes that fellow mold sufferers—or those who suspect the presence of mold—can make informed decisions when looking to purchase a kit for themselves.
For more information regarding mold, mold prevention, and mold solutions, please check out the rest of MoldBlogger.com.
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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