ERMI & HERTSMI-2 Mold Testing
Mold Detection SA (MDSA) provides professional ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) and HERTSMI-2 testing to help determine whether a building has an elevated mold burden and whether further investigation or mold remediation may be required.
The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) is a DNA-based laboratory test that analyses settled dust for the presence of specific mold species commonly associated with water-damaged buildings. Unlike traditional culture methods, ERMI uses advanced molecular analysis to identify mold DNA, allowing both viable (living) and non-viable (dead) mold spores and fragments to be detected.
What Does an ERMI Test Measure?
- Collection of settled dust samples from the indoor environment.
- DNA analysis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology.
- Identification of 36 internationally recognised mold species associated with water-damaged buildings.
- Measurement of the relative abundance of these mold species within the indoor environment.
- Calculation of an ERMI score to assist in evaluating the overall mold burden within the building.
- HERTSMI-2 scoring, where appropriate, for individuals who are particularly sensitive to mold exposure.
The purpose of ERMI and HERTSMI-2 testing is to provide additional scientific information regarding the indoor mold burden. The results must always be interpreted together with the building condition, visible mold, moisture problems, indoor air quality findings and the occupant’s concerns. No single laboratory test should be used in isolation to determine the condition of a building.
Our Comprehensive Mold Investigation
At Mold Detection SA we believe that laboratory testing forms only one part of a professional mold assessment. For this reason, ERMI testing is integrated into a comprehensive building investigation designed to identify both the extent of mold contamination and the underlying moisture source.
Depending on the objectives of the investigation, our assessment may include:
- Professional visual mold inspection.
- Assessment of mold odours and hidden contamination.
- Indoor and outdoor airborne mold sampling where appropriate.
- Moisture and damp investigations.
- Identification of water ingress and hidden mold risk areas.
- Relative humidity and condensation assessment.
- Indoor air quality assessment where required.
- Interpretation of ERMI and HERTSMI-2 laboratory results.
- Detailed findings report with practical remediation recommendations.
Professional mold investigations should never rely on a single laboratory test. Accurate diagnosis requires the combination of building science, moisture investigation, visual inspection, laboratory analysis and professional interpretation.
Professional Interpretation Matters
ERMI and HERTSMI-2 results require careful professional interpretation. Elevated scores do not automatically indicate that remediation is required, nor do low scores guarantee that a building is free from mold-related problems. Mold Detection SA evaluates laboratory findings together with the condition of the building, moisture sources, visible evidence, indoor air quality measurements and other inspection findings to provide balanced, practical and scientifically supported recommendations.