How to Read Your Mold Lab Report - A Guide

Learn how to read your mold lab report and understand your mold test results. This guide will help you interpret the findings and take the next steps for a safe environment.

4/28/20252 min read

When the results come back from the lab, the report can feel overwhelming: scientific names, spore counts, and reference ranges that don’t always make sense without context.

At Mold Consultant Group, we help clients across Montgomery, The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Willis, Tomball, Magnolia, and Cypress understand exactly what their mold lab report means — and what to do next.

Here’s how to make sense of your results.

🧪 What’s in a Mold Lab Report?

Your mold report typically includes:

  • Sample type (air, surface, swab, etc.)

  • Sample locations (living room, attic, HVAC, etc.)

  • Mold species detected

  • Spore counts per cubic meter (spores/m³) for air samples

  • Comparisons to outdoor control samples

  • Comments on potential health or remediation concerns

🔍 Key Terms to Know

✅ Spore Count

The number of spores found in a cubic meter of air. Higher counts may indicate an active mold problem, especially if indoor levels exceed outdoor levels.

✅ Species Identification

The specific types of mold detected (e.g., Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Stachybotrys). Some are common and harmless in small amounts — others may require immediate remediation.

✅ Indoor vs. Outdoor Comparison

Every air test includes a sample from outdoors. This serves as your baseline for comparison. Indoor levels should not exceed outdoor levels, especially for allergenic or toxigenic species.

🧬 What Are the Common Mold Types?

  • Cladosporium – Common outdoor mold; typically non-toxic but can trigger allergies

  • Aspergillus/Penicillium – Found in dust and damp areas; some strains are allergenic or toxigenic

  • Stachybotrys (Black Mold) – Requires sustained moisture to grow; may produce mycotoxins

  • Chaetomium – Found in water-damaged drywall and insulation

  • Alternaria – Allergenic; grows in bathrooms, kitchens, and HVAC systems

🧠 How to Know If You Have a Problem

A licensed mold consultant (like us) will interpret your lab report and explain:

  • Which mold types are concerning

  • Whether spore counts indicate normal fungal ecology (Condition 1), or something more serious

  • Whether remediation is needed — and if so, how extensive

📌 Pro tip: High levels of certain species — even without visible mold — can affect indoor air quality and health.

✅ We Make Mold Reports Easy to Understand

At Mold Consultant Group, you’ll get:

  • Clear, jargon-free explanations

  • Visual charts or summaries (when applicable)

  • Recommendations for remediation or clearance

  • Follow-up guidance tailored to your property

📍 Serving Montgomery | The Woodlands | Spring | Conroe | Willis | Tomball | Magnolia | Cypress

📞 Need Help Understanding Your Mold Report?
Call 832-280-4747 to schedule a consultation or
contact us at www.moldconsultantgrp.com
Lab reports don’t have to be confusing. We’ll help you read between the spores.

How to Read Your Mold Lab Report

You’ve had mold testing done — now what?