Mold Testing Explained: Air Samples, Swabs, and ERMI in Denver

Let’s face it—mold is that unwanted guest no one invited and is eating up all the good food. It doesn’t pay rent, smells funky, and loves hiding in dark corners like that one relative who never leaves. From brain fog to that weird spot on the ceiling, mold can leave you wondering: Is this a mold problem or a demon in my house? And more importantly—how do I find out what’s really going on?

If you’ve Googled “mold testing” and now find yourself drowning in technical jargon, don’t stress. We’re here to break it all down. At Elevation Environmental Services, we specialize in making environmental science approachable, so you can make smart, confident decisions about your home. Here is mold testing explained!

Why Mold Testing Matters

Mold isn’t just gross—it can mess with your health, your home, and your wallet. Symptoms like sneezing, fatigue, sinus congestion, headaches, or unexplained rashes might be tied to unseen mold exposure. And while mold is everywhere (yes, even outside), indoor mold—especially from water damage—is what we want to keep in check.

Why is it worth the money to test:

• Identify if mold is present.

• Understand what types are involved.

• Measure the severity of the situation.

• Decide what action (if any) is needed.

Today we’re spilling the tea on three of the most talked-about mold tests: Air sampling, surface testing (swab or tape), and ERMI testing.

1. Mold Air Sampling: What You’re Breathing Right Now

Air samples give a snapshot of what’s floating around your home. If you’re feeling off and don’t see visible mold, this is your go-to.

How it works:

A calibrated pump draws indoor air through a spore trap. We also take an outdoor baseline sample for comparison. The lab then identifies and counts spores under a microscope. This provide real hard data to look at. The lab is looking for up to 80 different types of mold spores on that one air sample. Then our team is using that data to figure what the underlaying issue is both for your home and for your health.

Best for:

• Allergy-like symptoms or general discomfort.

• Musty smells with no visible mold.

• Post-remediation clearance testing.

Pros:

• Quick, non-invasive, and helpful for exposure risk.

• Compares indoor air to what's naturally in the environment.

Cons:

• Only shows what’s airborne during that brief testing window.

• Doesn’t reveal where the mold is growing (although the in-person inspection can help connect the dots)

Curious when you should test for mold? We got you covered with our Top 5 Signs Your Denver Home May Need a Mold Inspection blog!

2. Mold Swab or Tape Lifts: What’s on Your Walls

Got a mysterious spot on the ceiling or something growing on a baseboard? A swab or tape lift is a simple way to confirm if it’s mold—and what kind.

How it works:

We gently press a sticky tape or swab onto the affected area. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s examined under a microscope for mold types and structures.

Best for:

• Visible discoloration or spots on drywall, windowsills, or wood.

• Documenting mold for insurance, landlords, or contractors.

• Determining if materials are salvageable.

Pros:

• Direct and cost-effective.

• Helps confirm contamination on surfaces.

Cons:

• Doesn’t reflect what’s in the air or your breathing zone.

• More of a yes or no, without a quantifiable spore count

• Not suitable for post-remediation clearance.

"Pro tip: If mold is clearly visible and you plan to remediate, testing may not even be necessary—unless you need proof for documentation (cough, cough rentals)."

3. ERMI Mold Testing: The DNA Detective (But Not Something We Offer)

You may have heard of ERMI—short for Environmental Relative Moldiness Index—especially if you’ve been working with a functional medicine doctor or mold-literate practitioner. It’s a DNA-based test developed by the EPA for research purposes.

How ERMI works:

Dust is collected from undisturbed surfaces by a certified Environmental Hygienists (like under furniture or on top of doorframes) and analyzed using qPCR to detect DNA from 36 mold species—26 linked to water damage and 10 from typical indoor environments.

The result is a numerical score ranking your home’s “moldiness.”

What the EPA says about ERMI:

The EPA clearly states that ERMI was developed as a research tool—not for routine home inspections or buying decisions:

“The ERMI is a research tool and is not recommended for use in making decisions about remediation or purchase of homes.” — U.S. EPA

Why we don’t offer ERMI for mold testing:

At Elevation Environmental Services, we focus on testing methods that are widely accepted by insurance companies, remediation contractors, and industry standards. That includes air sampling and surface testing, which provide actionable data for real-time conditions.

ERMI may be helpful in specific medical situations, but it’s not part of our current service lineup.

Mold Testing Comparison Chart

Test Type	What It Detects	When to Use It	Limitations
Air Sample	Airborne mold spores	Symptoms, smells, clearance testing	Doesn’t reveal source location without in-person inspection
Swab/Tape	Surface mold	Visible spots, documentation, material testing	Doesn’t measure air exposure
ERMI	Mold DNA in dust	Mold-sensitive individuals, Doctor specifically suggested, historical exposure	Not accepted by remediation professionals; not a full picture of current conditions

Real-Life Scenario: When a Mold Testing Combo Makes Sense

Let’s say you had water damage in the basement, you’re experiencing sinus issues, and your child’s been coughing at night.

Here’s what we might recommend:

• Air sampling in the basement and bedrooms (optional) to evaluate airborne exposure.

• A tape lift on that suspicious spot near the baseboard or in the HVAC vents (shows if mold is traveling).

• If ERMI has been suggested by your doctor, we’ll explain how it works—and refer you to someone who offers it.

The key is to layer your data, so you’re not relying on one method alone. This gives you a more accurate picture of your indoor environment. But let's be real, doing the combo can get a little pricey if it is multiple areas of concern, so talk to a mold specialist to see which option makes the most sense.

Wondering why mold is a thing in the Colorado dry weather? Check out our blog Where Does Mold Come From? A Guide for Colorado Residents to learn when and how it happens.

What Happens After Mold Testing?

After the lab results come in, we’ll walk you through:

• What mold types were detected (Aspergillus? Stachybotrys? Cladosporium?).

• Whether the levels are normal, elevated, or potentially harmful.

• What next steps make sense—from remediation to maintenance tips.

You’ll never get a confusing PDF and a “good luck” from us. We translate technical reports into plain language and support you every step of the way. And if nothing shows up and you still feel icky, time to call in an exorcist (which oddly enough we can help with that to!).

Final Thoughts: Mold Testing Shouldn’t Be Complicated

Mold testing doesn’t have to be intimidating or scary. If a mold inspector or remediation company tries to scare you with the evil term "Black Mold", walk the other way. Mold can be dangerous if not addressed but it's manageable with the right team on your side. If someone is using it as a scare tactic, they aren't the one for you.

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or real estate pro, the right test can take the guesswork out of indoor air quality and give you peace of mind.

At Elevation Environmental Services, we focus on straightforward, science-backed testing that’s easy to understand and actually useful.

Need Mold Testing in the Denver Area?

We offer:

• Air sampling for indoor air quality

• Surface testing for visible mold

• Professional reporting and guidance

• Honest answers, no scare tactics

While we don’t offer ERMI testing, we’re happy to refer you to trusted professionals who do—if it’s right for your situation.

👉 Contact us today to schedule your mold inspection.

Let’s us help clear the air—literally.