Four collection methods you can do yourself at home with simple tools. Follow the steps below, then send us your sample.
Surface sample · Tape lift
Tape-Lift Sampling
For visible stains or suspected growth on a hard surface — drywall, trim, window sills.
You'll need: CLEAR packing tape (not frosted or coloured), a resealable bag (ziploc or equivalent), scissors, a marker.
- Cut a 2-inch strip of clear tape — the lab needs to be able to see through it
- Press the sticky side firmly onto the suspect area for a few seconds to lift the sample
- Open the resealable bag and press the tape — sample side first — onto the inside of the bag, sticky side down, sealing the sample between the tape and the bag
- Fold one corner of the tape back on itself, not stuck down, so it's easy to peel up once it reaches the lab
- Label clearly with your name, address and the sampling location
- A photo of the exact sampling location is ideal too — it helps us put together a more complete report
Send Us a Sample
Bulk sample · Building material
Bulk Material Sampling
For a physical piece of the structure — drywall, insulation, wood, ceiling tile.
You'll need: a utility knife or small round hole saw, gloves, two resealable bags (double-bagged), a marker.
- Wearing gloves, cut a small piece from the suspect material — ideally a round cut (a hole saw works well), with no sharp or jagged edges
- Keep the piece small — only a small amount of material is needed
- Place it into a resealable bag, then place that bag inside a second resealable bag (double-bagged) and seal both
- Double-bagging prevents spores from escaping or cross-contaminating other samples, and guards against sharp edges
- Label clearly with your name, address and the sampling location
Send Us a Sample
Surface sample · Swab
Swab Sampling
For textured, wet, or hard-to-reach surfaces — grout, HVAC interiors, corners.
You'll need: a Q-tip (cotton swab), a resealable bag, a marker.
- On a dry surface, lightly wet the Q-tip with tap water first — this helps pick up material from the surface
- Rub firmly over the suspect area, making sure you actually pick up visible material onto the cotton tip, not just touch the surface
- Place the used Q-tip into a resealable bag without letting the tip touch anything else
- Label clearly with your name, address and the sampling location
Send Us a Sample
Surface sample · Carpet
Carpet Sampling
Same method as tape-lift or swab sampling above (a Q-tip works fine) — it's just labeled as a carpet sample so we screen for what's specific to carpet, like water damage or suspected pest activity.
You'll need: clear tape or a Q-tip (cotton swab), scissors, a resealable bag, a marker.
- Pick a visibly affected, stained, or water-damaged spot
- Press tape onto the fibres and lift — same bagging method as tape-lift sampling above — or swab with a Q-tip, same method as swab sampling above
- Seal in a resealable bag
- Label with your name, address and the sampling location
Send Us a Sample
Air Quality
No equipment for air sampling? We'll come to you.
Self-collected air sampling (spore trap) needs a calibrated pump, so DIY home kits aren't available yet — they're planned for a future offering. In the meantime, book an at-home sampling visit and an analyst will collect your air, outdoor reference and surface samples for you.
Learn More