AGT Labs Industrial Hygiene

Mold Testing in Houston, TX — Accredited Mold Analysis Lab

Need mold testing in Houston? AGT Labs is an AIHA EMLAP-accredited, Texas TDLR-licensed mold analysis laboratory (License LAB1070) at 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029. We analyze spore trap air samples, tape-lift and swab surface samples, and bulk materials for homeowners, property managers, mold inspectors and remediation contractors — drop off in Houston or ship from anywhere in the U.S. AGT Labs is an independent laboratory: we do not perform inspections or remediation, so your results are unbiased. Samples received before 2:00 PM CT are logged the same day.

AIHA EMLAP Accredited TX TDLR Mold License #LAB1070 Rush TAT Available
Are you a mold inspector or consultant? We're the accredited lab behind your sample results. Independent Lab Testing →
Why Mold Testing Matters

Why accredited mold testing protects your business

OSHA & NIOSH Defensibility

Results from AIHA EMLAP accredited labs are recognized by OSHA enforcement, legal counsel, and insurance carriers — DIY kits are not.

Worker Health Protection

Chronic mold exposure causes respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and asthma. Quantified data drives targeted engineering controls. Facilities using spray foam insulation should also evaluate isocyanate exposure alongside mold monitoring.

Liability & Insurance

Texas property and liability insurers require licensed lab results (#LAB1070) for mold-related claims — accreditation protects your coverage.

Clearance & Reoccupancy

Post-remediation clearance samples analyzed by a TDLR-licensed lab give your mold assessor the data needed to document clearance under Texas rules.

IH Testing Laboratory

What Is Professional Mold Testing & Analysis?

Mold testing identifies the types and concentrations of mold spores in indoor air, on surfaces, and inside HVAC systems. Unlike consumer-grade home mold kits, professional mold testing performed in an accredited lab follows validated AIHA, ASTM, and CDC/EPA methodologies and produces legally defensible mold testing data.

At AGT Labs, every mold sample is analyzed in our Houston facility — no outsourcing — by analysts trained to AIHA EMLAP requirements. Results are compared against indoor/outdoor background spore levels and established mold exposure assessment guidelines from AIHA and EPA.

Consultants, inspectors, remediation contractors, and facility teams across Texas send mold samples to our accredited mold testing lab for spore trap, tape-lift, swab and bulk analysis — with same-day login on samples received before 2:00 PM CT and rush turnaround available. Mail-in and courier drop-off are both supported.

Commercial mold investigations in occupied buildings typically include a broader indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment to evaluate co-occurring pollutants such as VOCs, formaldehyde, and CO2 that may contribute to occupant complaints. Where the moisture came from a building water system rather than a roof or envelope leak, that same investigation often extends to Legionella testing of the potable, hot water and cooling tower systems. Mold analysis is a specialized IH testing discipline that requires AIHA EMLAP accreditation — a credential our industrial hygiene testing lab has held continuously since 2012.

  • Airborne mold spore counts by genus (non-viable spore trap)
  • Surface mold contamination mapping (tape lift, swab, bulk)
  • HVAC mold testing and duct system fungal assessment
  • Post-remediation clearance sample analysis
Industrial mold testing and airborne spore sampling in Houston TX workplace
How It Works

How to Get Mold Testing in Houston

Every mold test has two parts: someone collects the sample, and an accredited lab analyzes it. AGT Labs handles the analysis — here is how to get your samples to us.

Working with a mold inspector?

Ask your inspector or assessor to send the samples to AGT Labs. Inspectors use our independent mold testing lab for inspectors program for kits, chain of custody and portal reporting.

Drop off or ship samples

Bring samples to 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029, or ship them to the same address with a completed chain of custody form. Samples received before 2:00 PM CT are logged the same day.

Remediation just finished?

Your contractor or assessor submits post-remediation clearance samples, and we report the results they need to document the clearance.

Testing your home yourself?

Collect a tape-lift or swab sample of the suspect spot and drop it off or ship it to us. See home mold testing.

Sampling & Analysis Methods

Accredited Mold Testing Methods — Which One Do You Need?

Choosing the right sample type determines whether results are actionable. Every method below is analyzed by direct microscopy within our AIHA EMLAP scope of accreditation — here is what each one measures and what you receive in the report.

METHOD 01

Spore Trap Air Analysis

Air-O-Cell and similar spore trap cassettes are analyzed by direct microscopy. We report total spores per cubic meter and spore types by genus, so you can compare indoor air with an outdoor control sample.

Method:In-house SOP 057.08 (AIHA EMLAP)
Sample:Spore trap cassette
Report:Spores/m³ + spore types by genus
Rush available:Yes — 1 to 4 day
METHOD 02

Tape-Lift & Swab Surface Analysis

Tape lifts and swabs from walls, ceilings, diffusers and other surfaces are examined directly under the microscope to confirm whether visible growth or staining is mold, and which spore types are present.

Method:In-house SOP 056.07 (AIHA EMLAP)
Types:Tape lift · Swab
Report:Fungal presence + spore types
Rush available:Yes
METHOD 03

Bulk Material Analysis

Drywall, wood, carpet, insulation and other water-damaged building materials are examined directly for fungal growth and the spore types present.

Method:In-house SOP 056.07 (AIHA EMLAP)
Materials:Drywall · Wood · Carpet · Insulation
Report:Fungal presence + spore types
Rush available:Yes
METHOD 04

HVAC & Duct Samples

Tape lifts, swabs and bulk samples from ductwork, coils, drain pans and diffusers help identify mold reservoirs that redistribute spores through a building — a source air sampling alone can miss.

Targets:Coils · Pans · Ducts · Diffusers
Analysis:Direct microscopy
Report:Fungal presence + spore types
METHOD 05

Post-Remediation Clearance Samples

After remediation, spore trap and surface samples show whether indoor spore levels are comparable to outdoor background and whether surfaces show residual growth. Your mold assessor uses our results to make the clearance determination required under Texas rules.

Samples:Spore trap + surface
Includes:Indoor vs. outdoor comparison
Report:Lab results for your assessor
Rush available:Yes — 1 day available
IH Lab AccreditationAIHA LAP · ID: LAP-101470
Environmental MicroAIHA EMLAP Accredited
TX Mold LicenseTDLR #LAB1070 · Exp Nov 2027
MethodsSpore Trap · Tape Lift · Swab · Bulk

What's Included in Your Report

Every analysis type, the method our IH lab follows, and exactly what you receive — no surprises.

Analysis Type Method / Standard Sample Type Report Deliverable
Spore Trap Air (Non-Viable) Direct microscopy · SOP 057.08 (AIHA EMLAP) Air-O-Cell or similar spore trap cassette Spore counts by genus, spores/m³, indoor/outdoor comparison
Surface — Tape Lift Direct microscopy · SOP 056.07 (AIHA EMLAP) Tape lift slide Fungal presence, spore types, relative loading
Surface — Swab Direct microscopy · SOP 056.07 (AIHA EMLAP) Sterile swab Fungal presence, spore types, relative loading
Bulk Material Direct microscopy · SOP 056.07 (AIHA EMLAP) Drywall, wood, carpet, insulation Fungal presence, spore types
HVAC / Duct Direct microscopy Swab, tape lift, bulk Fungal presence and spore types by location
Post-Remediation Clearance Spore trap + surface direct microscopy Air + surface samples Results with indoor/outdoor comparison for your assessor's clearance determination
Genus-Level Identification

Mold Types Our Lab Identifies

Our analysts identify mold spores by direct microscopy to the genus level — distinguishing the water-damage indicators and common indoor types that carry different remediation significance, not just "mold present/absent."

Stachybotrys
Identified to genus
Water Damage Indicator
Toxic "black mold" — produces trichothecene mycotoxins. Requires chronic wet conditions. Key remediation trigger species.
Aspergillus
Reported as Aspergillus/Penicillium-like
Toxigenic / Opportunistic
Opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Some species produce aflatoxins. Common in HVAC systems.
Penicillium
Reported as Aspergillus/Penicillium-like
Common Indoor
Elevated counts indicate moisture issues. Source of mycotoxins (ochratoxin A). Often found with Aspergillus in water-damaged buildings.
Chaetomium
Identified to genus
Water Damage Indicator
Strong indicator of water-damaged cellulosic materials. Presence confirms active or prior moisture intrusion.
Cladosporium
Identified to genus
Common Indoor/Outdoor
Most common airborne mold genus. Elevated indoor counts relative to outdoor baseline indicates an indoor source requiring investigation.
Alternaria
Identified to genus
Common / Allergenic
Major allergen causing asthma exacerbations. Associated with damp conditions, especially in HVAC intakes and bathroom areas.
Trichoderma
Identified to genus
Water Damage Indicator
Associated with actively decaying wood and cellulose. Presence alongside Stachybotrys confirms significant water damage history.
Fusarium
Identified to genus
Toxigenic
Produces fumonisins and trichothecenes. Found in water-damaged building materials and HVAC drip pans. Concern in food processing facilities.
Lab Logistics

Turnaround Times & Sample Submission

From kit request to final report — here's exactly what to expect, including how to submit and when you'll have results.

Mold Testing Isn't One-and-Done

Mold work runs in phases — initial assessment, monitoring during remediation, and post-remediation clearance each need their own round, and Gulf Coast humidity means recurring HVAC and moisture-driven checks keep buildings compliant year-round. Set up a recurring monitoring program or standing account and we'll set your recurring submission calendar, hold your media and kits, and apply volume pricing.

Set Up a Monitoring Program
Turnaround Options & Surcharges
Standard Analysis
5+ Business Days
No Surcharge
4-Day Rush
4 Business Days
+25%
3-Day Rush
3 Business Days
+50%
2-Day Rush
2 Business Days
+75%
1-Day Rush
1 Business Day
+100%
Samples received before 2:00 PM CT are logged same day. Contact us to confirm rush availability for your project.

What's in Your Sampling Kit

  • Air-O-Cell or Burkard spore trap cassettes
  • Sterile swabs and tape lift slides
  • Chain of Custody form (pre-filled with your info)
  • Pre-paid return shipping label (domestic)
  • Field blank and duplicate sets included
Download COC Form (.xls)

Courier Pickup Available

  • Houston metro area — same day pickup
  • Bay City · Freeport · Lake Jackson
  • Victoria · Harlingen · South Texas
  • UPS Ground shipping nationwide
  • International — client pays freight
Call (713) 453-6090 to schedule pickup or request a kit with 5 business days notice.
Field Protocol Reference

Sampling Guidelines & Field Requirements

Follow these parameters to ensure mold samples arrive at our lab in a condition that produces valid, actionable results. For a full breakdown of all analysis methods, media types, and detection limits across every test we offer, see our Industrial Hygiene Sampling & Analysis Guide.

Spore Trap Sampling
Sample volume
75–150 L total (5–10 min at 15 L/min).
Indoor/Outdoor
Always collect outdoor background sample simultaneously or within 30 minutes for valid comparison. Use same cassette type and volume.
Field blanks
Include ≥10% field blanks. Open cassette at sample location without running pump for 30 seconds, then seal.
Surface & Bulk Samples
Tape lifts
Press clear tape onto the suspect area, then stick it to a clean slide or the inside of a sealed bag. One area per sample.
Swabs
Use a sterile swab on damp, textured or hard-to-reach surfaces; return it to its sealed tube.
Bulk
Cut a piece about 2 × 2 inches of the affected material and seal it in a zip-top bag.
Environmental Conditions
HVAC conditions
Document HVAC on/off status during sampling. Collect with HVAC running in normal occupied mode for representative results.
Temp & RH
Record indoor temperature and relative humidity at each sample location. Values above 60% RH indicate elevated mold risk.
Shipping & QA
COC form
Complete all fields: client name, site address, sample IDs, collection time/date, flow rate, volume, analysis requested, and TAT required.
Ship to
10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029. Samples received before 2:00 PM CT logged same day.
Step-by-Step Workflow

From Sample Collection to Final Report

1

Request Kit or COC

Call or email. With 5 business days notice we ship kits directly to your site. Or download the COC and use your own media.

2

Collect Samples

Follow field parameters above. Document HVAC status, RH, collect blanks. Complete COC form fully before packing.

3

Ship or Drop Off

Ship UPS or use our courier pickup. Samples logged same day if received before 2 PM CT.

4

Analysis & QA

AIHA EMLAP accredited analysis at our Houston lab. No outsourcing. QA review by senior analyst before release.

5

Results & Report

Results on secure online portal. Report includes data, interpretation, indoor/outdoor comparison, and — if applicable — the clearance data your assessor needs.

Gulf Coast Conditions

Hurricane, Flood & Humidity Mold Testing in Houston

Houston's humidity, storm season and frequent water intrusion make mold a year-round concern. After a flood, roof leak or plumbing failure, mold can begin growing on wet drywall, carpet and wood within 24–48 hours. Match the sample to the question — or read our full guide to mold testing after a hurricane or flood:

Visible spots or staining?

A tape-lift or swab sample confirms whether it is mold and which spore types are present.

Musty smell, nothing visible?

Spore trap air samples — indoors and outdoors — show whether indoor spore levels are elevated.

Water-damaged materials?

Bulk samples of drywall, carpet pad or insulation are examined directly for fungal growth.

Cleanup finished?

Clearance samples document conditions before walls are closed or occupants return.

Mold testing across Greater Houston. Drop off samples at our East Freeway lab or ship them overnight. We serve clients in Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, Baytown, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, Friendswood and Galveston — and nationwide.

Standards & Regulatory Context

Regulations & Standards Governing Commercial Mold Testing Labs

These are the frameworks EHS managers, consultants, and industrial hygienists must satisfy — AGT Labs IH testing results are structured to meet all of them. Mold remediation projects in older buildings often trigger parallel requirements for asbestos testing, lead testing, and crystalline silica monitoring when demolition disturbs suspect materials.

Texas Mold Assessment & Remediation Rules (TMARR)
TX Occupations Code Ch. 1958. Licensed mold lab (TDLR License #LAB1070) required for all commercial mold assessments and clearance sampling in Texas.
AIHA EMLAP Accreditation
American Industrial Hygiene Association Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program — the gold standard for IH mold labs. Required by most industrial clients and consulting firms.
ASTM D7391 — Spore Trap Standard
Standard test method for categorizing airborne fungal spores in indoor environments. Governs spore trap sampling and laboratory analysis protocols used in AGT Labs reports.
IICRC S520 — Mold Remediation Standard
Industry standard for professional mold remediation. Defines clearance criteria and sampling requirements that our clearance sample results are reported against.
EPA Mold Guidelines
"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" (EPA 402-K-01-001). Establishes the framework for investigation, sampling strategy, and remediation levels referenced in AGT Labs interpretation guidance.
OSHA Technical Manual — Mold
OTM Section III Chapter 2. OSHA inspectors reference this when evaluating industrial workplace mold complaints. AGT Labs reports include comparison to AIHA and OSHA guidance values.
Industries & Clients

Who Relies on AGT Labs Mold Testing Lab

Industrial facilities investigating mold alongside chemical exposure concerns can combine mold sampling with VOC and BTEX testing to distinguish between biological and chemical sources of indoor air contamination. Older industrial buildings with water damage may also require PCB testing for contaminated caulking and PAH testing if coal tar roofing or creosote-treated materials are disturbed during remediation.

Environmental Consultants

Third-party investigations, remediation oversight, clearance sampling, and expert report support for IH consulting firms across Texas and nationwide.

Manufacturing & Industrial

Process area assessments, food-grade facility mold monitoring, HVAC system evaluations, and worker exposure investigations — including isocyanate exposure monitoring for spray coating and polyurethane foam operations. See our dedicated food & beverage manufacturing testing program for the full scope.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Controlled environment monitoring, cleanroom mold assessments, and regulatory documentation for healthcare facilities and pharma manufacturing.

Government & Schools

Public building IAQ complaints, Texas TDLR-required licensed mold lab sampling, and documentation for state and federal facility compliance programs. See our dedicated education and government & municipal facilities testing programs for the full scope.

Insurance & Legal

Mold-related property claims, litigation support sampling, chain-of-custody documentation, and expert-ready reports for insurers and legal teams in Texas.

Abatement Contractors

Analysis of pre-remediation baseline, in-progress monitoring and post-remediation clearance samples — accredited results your assessor and insurer can rely on. See our dedicated restoration & remediation contractor testing program for the full scope.

Property & Facility Managers

Routine and complaint-driven mold testing for apartments, offices, schools and hotels across Greater Houston — independent results with no inspection or remediation sales pitch attached.

Remediation & Post-Abatement

Mold Remediation Monitoring & Post-Remediation Clearance Testing

Airborne mold spore concentrations can spike significantly when contaminated materials are disturbed. Real-time mold air quality monitoring during remediation verifies that engineering controls — containment barriers, negative air machines, HEPA filtration — are performing correctly before workers and occupants are exposed.

Post-remediation mold clearance testing from a licensed laboratory is not optional in Texas — it is legally required for commercial properties under TMARR. Our clearance sample reports include indoor vs. outdoor spore count comparison and surface sample results, which your licensed mold assessor uses to make the clearance determination. Water-damaged buildings that require mold remediation may also need asbestos testing if demolition disturbs suspect materials — particularly in structures built before 1980 where pipe insulation and ceiling tiles often contain chrysotile. Flood-damaged facilities should also consider formaldehyde testing for composite wood products exposed to moisture, and mercury vapor monitoring if broken thermometers, switches, or fluorescent lamps are present in the debris. Buildings that have been flooded, or that sat unoccupied while remediation was under way, also carry stagnant water in the plumbing — a condition that favours Legionella growth. Flush and sample the water system before reoccupancy, not after.

  • Mold spore air monitoring inside and outside remediation containment
  • Verification that negative air pressure is maintained throughout abatement
  • Post-clearance fungal spore counts compared against outdoor baseline
  • Surface mold sampling of previously contaminated areas
  • Lab report with indoor vs. outdoor comparison for your assessor
  • Rush mold clearance testing available — 1 business day TAT
Post-remediation mold clearance testing and indoor air quality sampling Houston TX
Client Support

Mold Testing — Frequently Asked Questions

Does AGT Labs do mold inspections?
No. AGT Labs is an independent laboratory — we analyze mold samples but do not perform inspections, collect samples on-site or do remediation. Your mold inspector, assessor or remediation contractor collects the samples and sends them to us, or you can bring samples to our Houston lab at 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101. Inspectors can set up an account through our independent lab program.
What turnaround times do you offer for mold testing?
Standard results are available in 5+ business days with no surcharge. Rush options: 4-day (+25%), 3-day (+50%), 2-day (+75%), 1-day (+100%). Call (713) 453-6090 to confirm rush availability for your project.
What's the difference between spore trap and tape-lift mold testing?
A spore trap samples the air and shows how many mold spores are present indoors compared with outdoors. A tape lift samples a surface and confirms whether a visible spot is mold. Use air samples when you smell mold but cannot see it; use tape lifts or swabs when you can see it. Both are analyzed by direct microscopy under our AIHA EMLAP accreditation.
Is AGT Labs licensed for mold testing in Texas?
Yes. AGT Labs holds Texas TDLR Mold Analysis Laboratory License #LAB1070 (valid through November 2027) and AIHA EMLAP accreditation (AIHA LAP ID: LAP-101470) for spore trap, surface and bulk mold analysis by direct microscopy. Texas mold rules (TMARR) require that mold samples be analyzed by a TDLR-licensed laboratory.
Can you detect Stachybotrys (black mold)?
Yes. Our spore trap and surface direct microscopy identifies Stachybotrys spores along with other water-damage indicator genera including Chaetomium, Trichoderma, Fusarium and Ulocladium. A tape-lift or swab sample from the suspect area is the fastest way to confirm it.
What do clearance samples confirm after remediation?
Post-remediation clearance samples show whether (1) indoor airborne spore counts are comparable to or lower than the outdoor background and (2) previously affected surfaces show residual mold growth. AGT Labs reports these results; under Texas rules, your licensed mold assessor uses them to make the clearance determination.
How do I submit samples to AGT Labs?
Download the COC Form (.xls) and complete all fields. Pack spore trap cassettes, tape lifts and swabs at ambient temperature. Ship UPS Ground or overnight to 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029. Or call (713) 453-6090 to schedule courier pickup in Houston, Bay City, Freeport, Lake Jackson, Victoria, or Harlingen.
Do you supply sampling equipment and kits?
Yes. With 5 business days notice, AGT Labs ships sampling kits including spore trap cassettes, sterile swabs, tape lifts and chain of custody forms. A pump loaner program is also available for qualifying clients. Contact us to request a kit for your project.
What are common signs that mold testing is needed?
Common triggers for industrial mold testing include: persistent musty odors without visible source, occupant respiratory complaints or allergy symptoms that improve when away from the building, recent water intrusion or flooding, visible discoloration on walls or ceilings, condensation on ductwork or pipes, HVAC systems with known moisture issues, and post-remediation verification requirements. When in doubt — test before occupants or regulators escalate.
How much does commercial mold testing cost?
Mold testing pricing depends on the method (spore trap, tape lift, swab or bulk), the number of samples, and the turnaround selected. AGT Labs provides an itemized quote before any work begins, with volume pricing for consultants and contractors running ongoing projects. Standard turnaround carries no surcharge; rush ranges from +25% (4-day) to +100% (1-day). Call (713) 453-6090 for a quote based on your sample count.
What is an acceptable indoor mold spore count?
There is no single federal "safe" number — interpretation is comparative. Indoor airborne spore counts and genera are compared against a simultaneous outdoor baseline: indoor levels at or below outdoor, with a similar genera profile, generally indicate no indoor amplification. Elevated indoor counts — or water-damage indicator species such as Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, Aspergillus and Penicillium above outdoor levels — indicate an indoor source. Every AGT Labs report includes this indoor/outdoor comparison and interpretation against AIHA and EPA guidance.
We are testing for mold after a flood — should we test the water for Legionella too?
They are different hazards from the same event, and they are worth considering together. Mold grows on wet building materials; Legionella grows inside the water system itself — and both flooding and the low water use that follows while a building sits closed create the stagnation that favours it. CDC states Legionella grows best between 77°F and 113°F, which is where a lot of unused plumbing sits. If your building has been flooded, has been unoccupied, or has a cooling tower, we can run Legionella testing by culture on the same project. There is no OSHA exposure limit for Legionella, so results are read against your water management programme rather than a legal threshold.
Houston, TX · AIHA EMLAP · TX TDLR License #LAB1070

Houston's Accredited Mold Testing Lab

AGT Labs — Houston's accredited industrial hygiene testing lab — is located at 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029, serving the Gulf Coast region with same-day log-in for samples received before 2:00 PM CT.

Commercial Real Estate & Insurance

Post-flood and post-storm mold assessments and clearance sampling — TX TDLR License #LAB1070 reports accepted by Texas property insurers and state compliance programs.

Healthcare & Texas Medical Center

Controlled environment mold monitoring for Houston's Texas Medical Center facilities, hospital IAQ investigations, and pharmaceutical cleanrooms requiring AIHA EMLAP documentation.

Manufacturing & Port Operations

HVAC mold assessments for Houston Ship Channel industrial facilities, food-grade manufacturing, and Port of Houston warehouse environments.

Government & Schools

TX TDLR-required licensed lab sampling for public buildings, Houston ISD programs, and federal facility compliance documentation under EPA mold guidelines.

License #LAB1070
TX TDLR Mold Lab License
AIHA EMLAP
Environmental Microbiology Accreditation
6 Methods
Spore Trap · Tape Lift · Swab · Bulk
1-Day Rush
Log-In Before 2:00 PM CT

Ready to Submit Mold Testing Samples or Request a Quote?

AIHA EMLAP accredited mold testing · IH testing lab · Texas TDLR Mold License #LAB1070 · Rush mold clearance testing available · Houston TX · Nationwide shipping. Ask about recurring monitoring programs and volume pricing for multi-phase remediation projects and ongoing facility mold surveillance.