Testing Options for Your Home: Surface Samples

Have you ever looked at a wall or floorboard in your home and wondered – is it mold or dirt? Surface sampling (tape, swab, or bulk) allows you to test surface areas for microbial growth and contamination.

In today’s mini class, we discuss three types of surface samples – tape, swab, and bulk.  

You’ll learn:

  • How surface samples are taken
  • Strengths of surface samples
  • Limitations of surface samples
  • When to use surface samples
  • How to read lab reports
  • And more!

Download Mini Class Slides Here.

A few important reminders about testing:

  • There are no perfect tests.
  • Each test has specific purposes and limitations.
  • Testing should answer a question you have about your home and influence your next steps.
  • Ultimately, testing is just one piece of the puzzle. Any testing should be done in combination with a thorough visual investigation of the entire home taking into account the history of the home and the health of the people in it. A good Indoor Environmental Professional (I.E.P.) can help you with this process. For more information on the role of an I.E.P., check out our resources, here, here, and here.


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