Aerotech lab dust PCR test and/or Real Time lab mold toxin test?

[Guest guest]

After the mold remediation done in the basement, I still have had ear

infections, and I like to be sure my home is healthy. I am thinking doing this

dust mold PCR test since it can cover various places in the house. Also, mold

toxin test by Real Time labs. Has anyone done these before? I'd appreciate to

know your experiences and opinion on these. They are not cheap.

mt

[Guest guest]

mt,

I haven't used Real Time (I can't) but I have used Aerotech (which

is now EMLab because of a merger last year) but not for PCR. I

have used other labs for dust testing by PCR.

The combination of env and body testing has possibilities and is

very appealing because the potential exists for connecting

environmental exposure with presence in the body. This is powerful

because it almost fits the criteria of Koch's postulates for

infectious agents.

A few considerations, however. The PCR accurately identifies what

mold is present but only from the current library of about 30

molds. The other estimated 170 to 50,000 will not be seen.

PCR also doesn't measure how much. The sample may come from a

single spot of growth (already visible, by the way, which means it

should be removed) which is no bigger than a quarter, or from a

fully involved building where every surface is covered with a

thick mat of mold growth. If the former, merely sampling the mold

removes the mold and no further action will be necessary if the

spot is dry. If the latter, then the need for removal is so

obvious that testing is not needed.

Finally, the type of mold (accurate by PCR) does not change the

need for removal or how it should be removed. But PCR could be

helpful for a medical issue, which leads to the Real Time lab

testing.

The Real Time Web site not only has a disclaimer that is not

consistent with the testimonials, but it requires a doctor's

release form and the results are sent only to a doctor for his/her

interpretation.

Therefore, you need to find a doctor that will agree to the test

which means he needs to understand it and most likely have enough

experience with the lab to have developed his own interpretive

baseline.

If you plan on using the doctor's testimony in court, he better be

able to defend the use of an innovative methodology. Defense

lawyers have become expert at attacking all but the tried and

true, which BTW, doesn't exist for mold.

If the purpose of this testing is to make your own decision about

whether to remove the mold or not, you usually don't need this or

any type of testing. Just get'er done! If you have a medical issue

then the doctor should guide the need for testing and what type.

If a legal issue, then be very careful! The defense will dispute

your health claims by attacking the premise and the logic of your

legal argument. So your lawyer better have great legal experience

and know how to formulate and defend a legal claim. BTW, the

majority of legal cases I'm familiar with are settled after claims

of mold harm are removed, or lost on issues that have nothing to

do with mold.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

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On Sun Mar 16 20:05:09 CDT 2008, gs1 wrote:

> After the mold remediation done in the basement, I still have had

> ear infections, and I like to be sure my home is healthy. I am

> thinking doing this dust mold PCR test since it can cover various

> places in the house. Also, mold toxin test by Real Time labs. Has

> anyone done these before? I'd appreciate to know your experiences

> and opinion on these. They are not cheap.

>

> mt

>