PROFESSIONAL ANALYSIS
Our analyses are carried out in a DAkkS-accredited lab in Germany, which is equivalent to a UKAS accreditation
Mould DIY Rapid Test
Tests for mould yourself
The Mould DIY Rapid Test Kit contains everything that you need to make an initial assessment of a possible mould infestation yourself.
Regular price £39.00
83
No prior knowledge required - Simple sample collection
Including Mould Guidebook for self evaluation
Free Shipment
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Mould Rapid DIY kit is a cost-effective mould test kit containing everything you need to assess a possible mould infestation. In addition to one petri dish, you also receive the IVARIO Mould Guide to easily analyse the mould yourself. This guide is packed full of images so you can see how badly the air in your room is affected. If you discover that your room is badly affected, we recommend sending the sample off for laboratory analysis to identify the type of mould and its possible causes. For visible mould, we recommend ordering this lab analysis kit now, as the home test kits/rapid tests are not conclusive enough to analyse the impact of the mould on your health. However, the home test kit is ideal if you want an initial overview of the situation.
Important note: Each mould test kit analyses one room, so please increase the quantity according to the number of rooms you want to test. We recommend testing bedrooms, living rooms and children’s rooms (where applicable)
Recommended: If you are looking for a cost-effective way to determine if mould is present in your home.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
Shipping
Our packaging and shipping fee is free. The return shipping of your sample to our laboratory is also free.
Returns
If you decide you no longer wish to make use of the test kit, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of placing your order. We will repay you using the same method of payment you used when purchasing the test kit.
Our packaging and shipping fee is free. The return shipping of your sample to our laboratory is also free.
Returns
If you decide you no longer wish to make use of the test kit, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of placing your order. We will repay you using the same method of payment you used when purchasing the test kit.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE UNTIL I GET MY RESULTS?
At IVARIO, we strive to deliver accurate and timely laboratory results for our valued customers. Here’s what you need to know about our shipping and processing times:
Standard Results Time:
Processing Time: 10-14 days
Shipping Time: 4-5 days (not included in the processing time)
Express Results Time:
Processing Time: 3-5 days
Shipping Time: 4-5 days (not included in the processing time)
Important Note: The total time from sending your sample to receiving your results includes shipping and processing times. For example, with express service, expect a total of 7-10 days from sending your sample to receiving your results.
Standard Results Time:
Processing Time: 10-14 days
Shipping Time: 4-5 days (not included in the processing time)
Express Results Time:
Processing Time: 3-5 days
Shipping Time: 4-5 days (not included in the processing time)
Important Note: The total time from sending your sample to receiving your results includes shipping and processing times. For example, with express service, expect a total of 7-10 days from sending your sample to receiving your results.
Professional mould testing in the UK from the online market leader -
have the air and the surfaces in your house tested in an independent specialist laboratory
Why test for mould and how is it done?
If you suspect mould, act early: Testing for mould
If mould is suspected, whether in living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics or offices, action should be taken quickly. The more time passes between an initial mould infestation and the treatment of the problem, the more difficult it can be to remove mould from walls, tiles, wallpaper, textiles and furniture. An early diagnosis can therefore not only protect your health, but also save you money.
One indicator that quickly leads to a suspicion of mould is a strange smell in the room. Mould often smells slightly musty; it is not without reason that the smell of mould and musty cellars are firmly associated with one another. The smell of mould is often reminiscent of soil, the ground or musty clothing, making it relatively easy for most of us to identify. However, it is usually much more difficult to actually locate the mould. This is where the mould lab test for room air can help. Any existing mould spores are identified, assigned to a mould genus and, at high concentrations, provided with the necessary information to enable the mould to be located.
As mould can manifest itself in various symptoms, it is important to pay attention if these are not just passing but become chronic. Fatigue, weariness, headaches and respiratory irritation are high on the list, but increased susceptibility to bronchitis, asthma or feeling permanently unwell can also be symptoms of mould. For this reason, it is also worthwhile for employers to test the rooms in which their employees spend most of their time. On the one hand, you can signal your concern for the health of your employees and also avoid sick leave due to health problems caused by mould in the workplace.
Mould Test - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where and why does mould occur?
Mould caused by the fabric of a building and its interior spaces tends to occur in areas with a high transfer of heat or in places where large amounts of moisture form.
Mould due to insufficient insulation
Mould can develop in places with insufficient insulation. This is most noticeable on external walls with inadequate insulation, as the temperature on the inside of the external wall can cool down extremely fast in autumn and winter, causing condensation.
Mould on thermal bridges
Similar to external walls, mould can also form on thermal bridges. Thermal bridges tend to be ceilings, floors and internal walls. Mould can grow extremely quickly in places where there is a large difference in temperature between two rooms, leading to lots of condensation forming. As such, mould regularly forms in corners, as they often represent complex thermal bridges.
Mould forming on thermal resistances
Thermal resistances can be items of furniture, textiles, curtains and other objects that can retain heat. Air can reach the gaps between the resistances and the walls or floor, but relatively little heat can get in to these spaces. This in turn leads to condensation and moisture, which is highly conducive to mould growth.
Mould in rooms with high moisture levels
Some rooms generally have a high level of moisture. This is why mould is often found in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and conservatories. In most cases, correct ventilation and heating can prevent many issues. Despite this, these rooms have a higher level of risk – mould is pretty much a given in poorly ventilated bathrooms and bedrooms. It is definitely worthwhile using a mould test or mould analysis kit to check whether mould is present and, if so, which type of mould you are dealing with.
Mould as a result of water damage
Mould can easily form in areas that have been subject to water damage. It is often worth conducting a mould test here prior to renovation work taking place. This ensures that there are no remnants of the mould infestation, which could lead to long-term issues and impact the quality of the air or the substance of the building.
Mould due to insufficient insulation
Mould can develop in places with insufficient insulation. This is most noticeable on external walls with inadequate insulation, as the temperature on the inside of the external wall can cool down extremely fast in autumn and winter, causing condensation.
Mould on thermal bridges
Similar to external walls, mould can also form on thermal bridges. Thermal bridges tend to be ceilings, floors and internal walls. Mould can grow extremely quickly in places where there is a large difference in temperature between two rooms, leading to lots of condensation forming. As such, mould regularly forms in corners, as they often represent complex thermal bridges.
Mould forming on thermal resistances
Thermal resistances can be items of furniture, textiles, curtains and other objects that can retain heat. Air can reach the gaps between the resistances and the walls or floor, but relatively little heat can get in to these spaces. This in turn leads to condensation and moisture, which is highly conducive to mould growth.
Mould in rooms with high moisture levels
Some rooms generally have a high level of moisture. This is why mould is often found in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and conservatories. In most cases, correct ventilation and heating can prevent many issues. Despite this, these rooms have a higher level of risk – mould is pretty much a given in poorly ventilated bathrooms and bedrooms. It is definitely worthwhile using a mould test or mould analysis kit to check whether mould is present and, if so, which type of mould you are dealing with.
Mould as a result of water damage
Mould can easily form in areas that have been subject to water damage. It is often worth conducting a mould test here prior to renovation work taking place. This ensures that there are no remnants of the mould infestation, which could lead to long-term issues and impact the quality of the air or the substance of the building.
What are the different types of mold?
Mould comes in a range of colours and it can grow on a wide range of materials. Although the colour can provide a clue as to which type of mould you are dealing with, it is nevertheless advisable to conduct a lab mould test to find out the precise type of mould present.
Generally speaking, we differentiate between the following types of mould:
Black mould
Black mould generally forms as a result of very high air humidity levels and, as such, is commonly found on windows, bathroom tiles or wallpaper near windows. However, it can also appear on walls, doors and in other places. As with all types of mould, there are several sub-species of black mould and some of these can quickly lead to health problems, such as Aspergillus niger or Alternaria alternata. A Lab Mould Test is, therefore, a good investment, whether it be for the air itself or for a material sample. It will inform you which type of mould you are dealing with and how the specific mould can impact on your health.
Red mould
When it comes to red mould, many people think of bright red, like the kind you see in traffic lights. But red mould can come in a range of shades. The mould ranges in colour from light pink to bright red, from rusty red to rusty brown, and from orange to burgundy. Red mould is often found in conjunction with black or white mould. To the untrained eye, red mould on the wall can look like spots of rust, especially when you are not familiar with the room in question. In this case, it is worth arranging for a laboratory mould test to ascertain whether the red mould is the fairly harmless Neurospora crassa or a more dangerous sub-species like Fusarium.
White mould
White mould is inconspicuous by nature. Thanks to its colour, it tends to remain hidden for a long time when it arises on walls, window ledges, window frames etc. It doesn’t tend to develop a strong smell, so it often remains undiscovered, or you simply get used to the room’s slight change in smell. White mould is often confused with other issues, which may look similar to the untrained eye. These include efflorescence caused by salt or limescale, dry rot or saltpeter. A lab mould test can be a great way of finding out whether the indoor air contains different types of white mould or to investigate a suspicious material more closely.
Green mould
Most people are familiar with green mould – it is often found on fruit or bread, especially in the summertime when air humidity meets high temperatures and food tends to go off more quickly. But walls, doors and windows can also be affected. The most common type of green mould is Aspergillus fumigatu, which is part of the Aspergillus genus and is known for its mycotoxins, which can lead to allergies, lung disorders and aspergillosis. If you suspect green mould in your home or if you can see it, we highly recommend carrying out a lab mould test to identify the type of mould and discuss the best ways to combat it with a specialist.
Yellow mould
Yellow mould is often confused with dry rot but is actually quite different. It tends to affect soil and plants and is often found in association with these. The exception here is the sub-species Geomyces pannorum, which can also grow on walls, wallpaper and wood. If you are not sure whether you are dealing with dry rot or yellow mould, a mould lab test kit can be an accurate way of identifying the problem.
Generally speaking, we differentiate between the following types of mould:
Black mould
Black mould generally forms as a result of very high air humidity levels and, as such, is commonly found on windows, bathroom tiles or wallpaper near windows. However, it can also appear on walls, doors and in other places. As with all types of mould, there are several sub-species of black mould and some of these can quickly lead to health problems, such as Aspergillus niger or Alternaria alternata. A Lab Mould Test is, therefore, a good investment, whether it be for the air itself or for a material sample. It will inform you which type of mould you are dealing with and how the specific mould can impact on your health.
Red mould
When it comes to red mould, many people think of bright red, like the kind you see in traffic lights. But red mould can come in a range of shades. The mould ranges in colour from light pink to bright red, from rusty red to rusty brown, and from orange to burgundy. Red mould is often found in conjunction with black or white mould. To the untrained eye, red mould on the wall can look like spots of rust, especially when you are not familiar with the room in question. In this case, it is worth arranging for a laboratory mould test to ascertain whether the red mould is the fairly harmless Neurospora crassa or a more dangerous sub-species like Fusarium.
White mould
White mould is inconspicuous by nature. Thanks to its colour, it tends to remain hidden for a long time when it arises on walls, window ledges, window frames etc. It doesn’t tend to develop a strong smell, so it often remains undiscovered, or you simply get used to the room’s slight change in smell. White mould is often confused with other issues, which may look similar to the untrained eye. These include efflorescence caused by salt or limescale, dry rot or saltpeter. A lab mould test can be a great way of finding out whether the indoor air contains different types of white mould or to investigate a suspicious material more closely.
Green mould
Most people are familiar with green mould – it is often found on fruit or bread, especially in the summertime when air humidity meets high temperatures and food tends to go off more quickly. But walls, doors and windows can also be affected. The most common type of green mould is Aspergillus fumigatu, which is part of the Aspergillus genus and is known for its mycotoxins, which can lead to allergies, lung disorders and aspergillosis. If you suspect green mould in your home or if you can see it, we highly recommend carrying out a lab mould test to identify the type of mould and discuss the best ways to combat it with a specialist.
Yellow mould
Yellow mould is often confused with dry rot but is actually quite different. It tends to affect soil and plants and is often found in association with these. The exception here is the sub-species Geomyces pannorum, which can also grow on walls, wallpaper and wood. If you are not sure whether you are dealing with dry rot or yellow mould, a mould lab test kit can be an accurate way of identifying the problem.
Is mould dangerous to your health?
Mould is a problem that needs to be taken seriously. It is especially dangerous for families with children, asthmatics, those with a weakened immune system and older people. But mould can pose a serious threat to healthy adults too.
According to the German Federal Environment Ministry, it has been proven that children who grow up in rooms with visible mould suffer from adverse effects to the development of their health. There is also evidence that shows a correlation between mould and asthma – both in terms of the condition developing and worsening. Mould can lead to respiratory infections, coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath, and it is suspected to be a cause of bronchitis and allergic rhinitis (hayfever).
As mould often occurs in places suffering from damp, illnesses caused by mould can also include symptoms such as a cough, headache or fatigue, which can have a considerable lasting impact on quality of life.
With this in mind, if you suspect mould in your home or office, you should act fast. If the mould is visible, you should send off a mould sample for investigation. IVARIO’s Lab Test for Walls and Surfaces involves using a strip of adhesive tape (similar to a tape-lift test) to take a mould sample and then sending the sample to the laboratory for analysis and identification.
According to the German Federal Environment Ministry, it has been proven that children who grow up in rooms with visible mould suffer from adverse effects to the development of their health. There is also evidence that shows a correlation between mould and asthma – both in terms of the condition developing and worsening. Mould can lead to respiratory infections, coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath, and it is suspected to be a cause of bronchitis and allergic rhinitis (hayfever).
As mould often occurs in places suffering from damp, illnesses caused by mould can also include symptoms such as a cough, headache or fatigue, which can have a considerable lasting impact on quality of life.
With this in mind, if you suspect mould in your home or office, you should act fast. If the mould is visible, you should send off a mould sample for investigation. IVARIO’s Lab Test for Walls and Surfaces involves using a strip of adhesive tape (similar to a tape-lift test) to take a mould sample and then sending the sample to the laboratory for analysis and identification.
What is special about the laboratory analysis of mould samples?
All IVARIO mould tests are conducted in accredited German specialist laboratories and analysed by experts. Thus, you don’t just receive a reliable result telling you which type of mould you have; we also send detailed information about what could have caused the mould infestation in the first place. This information is particularly important if you want to present the results of your mould test to a (specialist) doctor to protect your health. It is also extremely useful when it comes to identifying the origin of the mould on your walls, windows or ceilings.
