The Dust Test – Mold

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Category:

Turnaround Time: 7–10 business days
CPT Code: There is no standard CPT code for environmental home mold testing
Test Type: Environmental Test
Stability Time:

Dust samples are stable for extended periods at room temperature and are not affected by moisture once collected. However, we recommend mailing the sample within 7 days of collection for optimal processing

Reference Range:

Using the species found in your dust, we compare them to dust samples from homes previously inspected by our Inspection Division. This comparison helps determine whether one or more sources of mold may exist in the home. Results are presented using a coding system from 1 to 5:

  • Code 1: Indicates a normal fungal ecology. Mold levels are very low. If no one in the home is experiencing health concerns, further action is typically unnecessary.
  • Code 2: Considered borderline. While levels are relatively low, further evaluation is recommended if any health symptoms are present. Reviewing clinical results such as mycotoxin levels may help identify correlations between the home and the body.
  • Codes 3 to 5: Indicate elevated mold loads, likely due to one or more sources in the home. A professional mold inspection is advised to identify and address the sources.

Highlighted thresholds also show species elevated 10x, 100x, or 1000x above average homes.

All Dust Test results include a free 20-minute consultation call to review findings, discuss next steps, and help correlate environmental exposures to clinical outcomes.

Overview:

 The Dust Test is a breakthrough environmental screening tool designed to determine if elevated mold levels are present in the home—whether the mold is visible or hidden—and if the results suggest that sources may exist contributing to the overall mold load. Using a simple dust sample collected from the living environment, this lab-analyzed test evaluates 36 mold species based on a panel developed by the EPA’s Healthy Home Survey, known as ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index). In this study, the EPA surveyed 1,100 homes—half with a history of water damage and mold, and half without.

Your test results are based on this data. On the report, molds labeled Group 1 are those commonly found in homes with water damage and mold problems, while Group 2 includes molds found in homes without such damage. Since it is impossible to have zero mold in a home, the EPA established geometric mean values for each mold species to define what’s considered normal. Mold levels are also highlighted when they are 10x, 100x, or 1000x above normal.

Each result includes a coding system from 1 to 5 to indicate the extent of mold load detected in the dust. This system provides a clear and accessible way to understand whether mold levels are within a normal range or elevated enough to warrant further action.

Mold and its by-products, such as mycotoxins and VOCs, can significantly impact the respiratory, neurological, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. This test is a valuable tool for identifying whether environmental exposures may be directly affecting a patient’s health or preventing recovery—especially in complex or chronic cases.

Every Dust Test includes a free 20-minute consultation call (if needed) to review the results, explain the coding system, and help patients determine next steps

Components:

  • 1 dust collector (Swiffer cloth)
  • Pair of gloves
  • Return packaging with prepaid shipping label
  • Step-by-step instruction sheet

**All Dust Test orders must be prepaid.

Collection Details:

Patient Preparation:

A minimum of 5mg of dust is required for the sample to be processed. If the cloth is not collecting enough dust, the patient should wait longer for dust to accumulate (see instructions for visuals). If a deep cleaning or mold remediation has recently been performed, it is recommended to wait 6–8 weeks before collecting the sample to ensure meaningful results

Collection Instructions:

included with the kit and available digitally.

 Link: https://www.thedusttest.com/tutorials/#:~:text=Step%201%3A%20Getting%20Started