The ERMI MOLD Test

Please read all information including shipping info at the end.

The ERMI Mold Test is an easy to do, DIY home dust test that can be used to detect 36 different mold species & may be used to get a scope of your home’s health status, or used as a tool during an ERMI Interpretation to evaluate a possible toxic mold exposure in your home or space. It’s also the only test available to homeowners that can identify living, dormant and dead molds at the species level. This is so important since dead mold can be just as harmful to health as living mold. The species is important to know since some molds are totally harmless, but others are considered pathogenic, or mycotoxin producers.

The ERMI is meant to tell us: 

• IF there may be an issue

• WHAT species of the 36 molds tested are in the sample

• HOW much mold is in the sample, per species

• It does NOT tell us WHERE any issue is however, please note below regarding isolating areas.*

Q: Can I read the test myself?

A: No.

Absolutely not. The ERMI test offers a wealth of information, but unlocking its true power requires a professional's expertise. While the results might appear as data points, interpreting them goes far beyond a simple reading. Think about it this way: the ERMI dives deep into specific mold species, their potential health impacts, and growth patterns. These intricate details, coupled with the unique factors of your environment and potential health concerns, necessitate a nuanced understanding for accurate assessment.

A professional can not only decipher the ERMI data but must also factor in the building's history, occupant health, and other relevant metrics. This comprehensive approach ensures a personalized interpretation that translates into actionable insights for your specific situation. There's no magic box here - the ERMI requires skilled 1:1 analysis to yield meaningful results.

We offer drop in consultations to interpret existing ERMI results and our E+ I Package that includes our customized sampling instructions tailored for the off-label application. Let our team navigate the complexities of the ERMI and provide you an initial risk profile of your indoor environment and the potential health risks it may pose. Click below to book a Drop In Session with us or purchase the ERMI + Interpretation Package and save some $$ by combining the two.

Q: How many test kits should I order?

A: One ambient (entire surroundings of a home) sample is our recommendation for beginners (one test kit). This is all you need to do an initial screening and get started.

If you have a large home, (over 3500 sq. ft.), it is optional, (but not required) to consider additional tests. This is commonly used to isolate a specific area such as an HVAC system, basement, crawlspace or the separate floors of a home/building. This professional technique allows for a more precise evaluation of targeted areas to assist in possibly locating an exposure. It is however, not a necessity if you are just starting out. We recommend a consultation with us prior to ordering multiple tests so we can help you with a strategy if this is something you are considering.

Q: What does the ERMI Test look for?

A: The ERMI Test looks for 36 types of mold species & is divided into two groups: 

1. Group 1 is 26 species of molds associated with water damaged buildings 

2. Group 2 is the 10 common species not associated with water damaged buildings & more likely to be found outdoors or in a normal fungal ecology.

Q: What’s Included?

Each ERMI test kit contains:

• 1 Dust Cloth

• 1 pair of PPE Gloves

• 1 labeled Ziploc for Results

• 1 Chain of Custody Form

• PJ’s Customized Instructions

• 1 Pre-addressed Return Envelope (postage NOT included)

We recommend clients purchase their own expedited shipping back to the lab so the sample can be tracked and will arrive faster. We suggest using UPS or FedEX. (USPS has been known to deliver improperly.)

Q: When will you ship my kit?

Orders are processed daily. Kits go out the next business day after you order using priority mail. Tracking will be sent to you within 48 hours after shipping. If orders are received on a weekend, they will ship out Monday.

If you are in need of an urgent (overnight) shipping of kits, please contact PJ via email prior to your order for possible arrangements, however please note lab hours & TAT. Rush Admin Fees will apply.

Lab Turn Around Time (TAT)

1. You will have the choice to select a lab processing TAT “turn-around-time” of either 5, 3, 1 or same business day(s).

2. Please note the processing time is in business days (the lab is CLOSED on weekends) whereas the day of receipt does NOT count into processing time. Consider this when you schedule your interpretation session with PJ.

3. Once your test sample is logged into the receiving center at our lab (Example: Monday), Lab TAT (Day 1) will begin the NEXT business day (Example: Tuesday).

4. Same Day orders cut off time 11 a.m CST: Sample MUST be received prior to this time to process. (Weekends no included)

5. Results will be sent to the email address you provide.

Q: Can you FedEx the test to me quickly?

A: Yes, but we have FEDEX Limitations:

• Since we charge a flat rate for our 2 DAY FedEx, we do not ship (FedEx) on Thursdays, Fridays or Weekends.

• We ONLY will ship FedEx on Monday’s, Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s.

• Orders must be received by 8AM EST. on a M-W to be shipped ‘that’ day, otherwise it will go out the next day.

• We do not ship FedEx the day before any U.S. Holidays

• We do not ship the entire week of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

• If you are in a hurry & would like to avoid FedEx, please email PJ for more info regarding our email expedition options.

Q: Can I wait to get my results, & then book an interpretation session?

A: We do not recommend waiting for your test results to get back before reserving an appointment. In the past, we’ve received frantic emails from individuals who miscalculated and thought they would be able to understand the results, so please take our claims seriously, as they are recommended specifically to benefit you. (Please continue reading about the scoring on the ERMI below.)

Please Note: Our ERMI Interpretation sessions are commonly booked out 4-6+ weeks.

Q: What are some of the things I will learn in a consult with PJ?

A: What you’ll learn:

1. Mold Fundamentals

2. What species are toxic, elevated &/or within normal range.

3. What's most concerning/impacting?

4. Common locations of elevated molds, relative symptoms or health effects 

5. What does my score mean?

6. Is my home a possible root-cause of my health issues?

7. Is my home safe?

8. Most importantly: What do I do now?

Q: “I heard there was a score on the ERMI, is this true?”

A: Yes, there is an ERMI “score” on the results, but it’s not ever recommended to use that as a sole gauge or an end-all, say-all. The ERMI score is frequently interpreted wrong since there is no single “optimal score” to make this easy to decipher as a “good or bad” result.

An interpretation is critical, so you can have the opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, relieve confusion, soothe stress, and get the most value out of your individual results.

We do not recommend attempting DIY Interpretations or “readings”. Doing so is very similar to going rogue with your own health and trying to decipher a complex test like the Dutch or Organic Acids test when you are not a trained practitioner. We understand that it’s tempting & cheaper, but the margin for error is so high that we can’t express enough how important it is to have an objective professional consultant & liaison on your team. You will walk away being able to fully understand the parameters of what you’re looking at, you will be able to discern what’s fact from fiction, identify the level of risk is present, and finally, have clear & precise steps to take, that specifically consider your unique circumstances, your distinct home and your bio-individualized health.

RESTRICTIONS:

*United States Residents ONLY.  

We do not ship outside of the United States.

We do work with clients outside of the United States, however, if you are considering ordering an ERMI, you MUST email us at: pjharlowwellness@gmail.com before you order so we can explain our process. Your order & instructions must be understood & cleared with PJ prior to ordering.

Cancellations, Refunds & Expiration Policy:

• We do NOT offer refunds or accept returns of any kind. All sales are final. 

• Use the ERMI under your own free will. We are not responsible for misuse or misapplication of this type of testing.

• We are not responsible for replacing results or refunds if you are not happy with the outcome/results of the test.

• We are not responsible for test results that are skewed/indeterminable from lack of dust collection or non-determinable results of any kind. 

• Delays are common during the holidays. We are not responsible for delays due to the U.S. Postal Service

• All Lab Orders expire one year after purchase.