Basic Testing

• The Centers for Disease Control recommend a basic sight and smell test to detect mold. Noticeable mold growth or a musty smell indicate a health hazard and conditions that needs cleaning.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, testing is not recommended, as people's reactions vary significantly depending on the type and quantity of the fungi. There are also no standards for what is an acceptable level of mold. Additionally, testing is expensive and not truly comprehensive or definitive, and any noticeable mold should be addressed regardless.
  
  

Types of Testing

• The two types of mold tests are surface and air. According to the Toxic Black Mold Information Center, surface tests can detect mature mold that produces spores and newer growths. Air tests can detect mold spores released from mature mold colonies.
  
  

Styles of Testing

• Mold-testing methods include capturing air to determine spore counts, lab-testing building materials, taking a cotton swab of mold growth or doing a wall check, which evaluates concealed spaces. Samples are evaluated to determine the types and extent of growth they trigger when placed under controlled growing conditions.
  
  

Costs

• Although you can buy a do-it-yourself mold test for around $10, professional mold evaluations ranged from $300 to $3,000 as of 2009, according to MoldReport.