Mold testing companies near me in Osprey offer several types of mold tests to identify the mold levels in your property. These tests allow us to identify health risks and other risk factors to protect our health and property.

However, choosing the proper testing method is essential for accurate results and to make informed decisions. Two of the most common methods for mold assessment are ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) and HERTSMI-2 (Health Effects Roster of Type-Specific Formers of Mycotoxins and Inflammagens - 2nd version).

This blog will help us understand the comparison between ERMI and HERTSMI-2 and help you make the right decision.

ERMI Test by Mold Testing Companies Near Me in Osprey

ERMI test stands for Environmental Relative Moldiness Index. As the full form explains, this test helps us to identify the amount of mold present in specific environments concerning another outside environment. This test involves molecular techniques like DNA analysis and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). To initiate this test, a total of 3 samples are collected, the first two samples from the outside environment and 1 sample per 1000 sq yards from the indoor environment.

Then, by using the PCR and mold-specific primers, we identify the species of the mold and the amount of mold present in the samples. Further, we compare indoor and outdoor reading as a reference. This helps identify if there are any elevated levels of mold in the indoor sample.

Advantages of ERMI Test

1.     Complete Assessment

Molecular biological techniques are used for the ERMI test. This test has high specificity and efficiency. It provides us with a complete examination of more than 26 species of mold that can be present in indoor environments. This method helps us to identify each Mold species with better details and offers us a broader view than a traditional mold testing method like air sampling.

2.     Quantitative Results

ERMI tests involve qualitative analysis and provide us with quantitative analysis. Measuring the relative moldiness of an indoor environment compared to a reference database helps us understand the severity of mold contamination in the environment.

3.     Early Detection

ERMI testing offered by mold testing companies near me in Osprey can help us detect a minimal amount of mold from the sample. Even if there are no visible signs, this test can detect the presence of mold. It helps us respond to prevent mold growth contamination and potential health risks.

4.     Objective Analysis

It also involves the use of DNA-based technology to identify and quantify mold species present in samples. This method is exact and reduces additional research in traditional mold assessments that often rely on visual inspections and subjective interpretation.

5.     Research and Comparison

ERMI test results are compared with the database of different homes in different environmental conditions. This makes it the best tool for research purposes. For example, if we detect any abnormal mold presence in certain ecological conditions, we can detect the factors responsible for this type of mold growth.

Disadvantages of ERMI Test

1.     Costly

ERMI test involves advanced molecular biotechnological principles that make it more expensive than other mold tests offered by mold testing companies near me in Osprey. Although it might be costly for some owners, the efficacy of this test provides better results than all other tests. 

2.     Complex Interpretation

Advanced biotechnological techniques are involved in ERMI testing, and excellent skills and expertise are required to interpret the results. The expert must have sound knowledge about different types of mold species and their associated health-related risks.

3.     Limited Scope

ERMI testing focuses on DNA analysis with the help of PCR. It uses mold-specific primers during the PCR process, making it specific to only molds. This method does not capture other indoor air quality factors such as allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or other bacterial contamination.

4.     Potential for False Positives

ERMI testing uses the mold species' DNA material to detect the mold's presence in a particular area. This method does not differentiate between the active and non-active mold spores, which results in some false results.

5.     Doesn't Differentiate Toxigenic and Non-Toxigenic Molds

ERMI testing does not distinguish between toxigenic and nontoxigenic molds. Which may be necessary for assessing health risks associated with mold exposure.

HERTSMI-2 Test By Mold Testing Companies Near Me in Osprey

HERTSMI-2 Stands for Health Effects Roster of Type-Specific Formers of Mycotoxins and Inflammagens - 2nd version. This test targets mold species with higher health risks by producing mycotoxins. The test identifies and quantifies the DNA of molds such as Aspergillus species and Stachybotrys chartarum (Black molds).

HERTSMI-2 provides a more unambiguous indication of potential health risks associated with mold exposure, particularly those related to mycotoxin production and inflammatory properties. This test detects potential health risks associated with mold exposure, specifically those related to mycotoxin production and inflammatory properties.

Advantages of HERTSMI-2 Test

1.     Focus on Health-Relevant Molds

As the test targets the health risks associated with mold species, it provides focused assessments that are relevant to prevent health-related risks. HERTSMI-2 provides a more unambiguous indication of potential health risks associated with mold exposure compared to broader assessments like ERMI.

2.     Simplicity of Interpretation

The test focuses only on mycotoxin production-related molds, so it doesn't generate results as complex as ERMI. It makes it easier for others to interpret the results than other complex tests.

3.     Guidance for Remediation

HERTSMI-2 results can help lead remediation efforts by identifying specific molds of concern, allowing them to be prioritized and targeted more efficiently to enhance indoor air quality and reduce health hazards.

Disadvantages of HERTSMI-2 Test

1.     Limited Scope

HERTSMI-2 testing focuses solely on a subset of mold species, which may not fully assess all molds found in the environment, consequently eliminating significant contributors to indoor air quality problems.

2.     Limited Availability

HERTSMI-2 testing may not be as standard as other mold testing methods, making it less accessible in some areas or from specific testing businesses.

3.     Doesn't Differentiate Between Active and Inactive Mold

Like ERMI, HERTSMI-2 also does not differentiate between active and inactive mold, which provides an overestimation of mold problems if inactive spores are detected.

End Note

Both of the tests offered by mold testing companies near me in Osprey are used for mold detection and checking the home's air quality. Both tests have their advantages and disadvantages, but when choosing the proper test for your home, you need to consider factors such as your requirements and your budget. If you want to check whether your place has mold that can cause health damage, then the HERTSMI-2 test is best to detect health risks, but if you want to have a detailed examination of molds, you can go for the ERMI test.