Re: PCR (DNA) Testing of Mold

[Guest guest]

What type of test is this and are there any weblinks to learn more about it?

Thanks, J

> I'm not sure if anyone has experience with this type of

> testing, but I just had it done, after many other traditional tests

> turned up inconclusive results, and it was able to identify Stachy.

[Guest guest]

The ERMI test was developed by the US EPA to test homes for possible

water damage prior to purchase. They tested thousands of homes,

identified commonly found molds versus molds found in water damaged

homes. You can probably learn more by doing a search online for " ERMI "

or " PCR " mold testing.

Based on the results of the test, they can provide the likelihood of

the house having water damage problems on a scale of 1-4, rating the

amount of mold DNA (including mold spores and mold fragments) found in

the dust sample, as well as the types of mold found.

The test was conducted by me, using my own vacuum cleaner, and an

attachment provided by the company which had a reservoir to trap the

dust. I mailed back the dust, and the DNA of the particles were

analyzed. I paid $295, which I thought was a screaming deal.

I think this is probably the most realistic test I've had done. The

petri dish tests are assuming that what you're trying to identify will

even grow in that particular medium, at that particular time. It's

really a crap shoot. This test identifies everything that is there

based on its DNA. With one caveat-they are only looking for certain

types of mold, 36 species I believe, that are associated with water-

damaged homes.

You can read more about it here:

http://www.forensica.com/fali/_default.asp?x=elab_pcr.htm

> > I'm not sure if anyone has experience with this type of

> > testing, but I just had it done, after many other traditional tests

> > turned up inconclusive results, and it was able to identify Stachy.

>