Advanced ERMI PCR Mold Testing

Sampling and testing for fungi are a common practice during an indoor environmental quality investigation, routine survey, or monitoring during mold remediation. The development and utilization of real-time polymerase chain reaction in the detection and quantitation of fungi in the indoor environment have been made possible by a patented technology developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. ERMI is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index that can be used to accurately predict if a person would react to a certain environment being tested.

The results can be further analyzed with the HERTSMI scoring system. The scoring system is designed to help those previously injured by water-damaged buildings. This is a very useful and predictive system outlining dangerous environments for those with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and Biotoxin Illness. Click here for a complete list of symptoms.

Advantages of PCR & ERMI Testing

This technology offers several advantages over the traditional culturing and spore counting methods. The major advantages are

• quick turnaround time
• accurate fungal detection and identification
• reproducible results
• detection of fungi and fungal spores whether they are viable or not
• quantitative and qualitative results
• excellent quantitation sensitivity
• excellent detection sensitivity

PCR technology also allows sampling for a long duration, minimizing the pitfalls of grab sampling, such as in culturable air samples and spore trap samples. On the other hand, consideration must be taken when performing PCR sampling and testing.

Test for the 36 Most Toxic Molds

PCR analysis is specific to the types of fungi detected and can only determine the targeted species. The current types have been selected for their high toxicity and allergenic probabilities:

• indoor air quality consulting
• air scrubbing
• hydroxyl generators