What Is an Accredited Laboratory
An accredited laboratory is a testing facility certified by recognized organizations like the AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) or state-level EMLAP (Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program) to perform mold analysis and air quality testing. These labs must meet strict standards for equipment calibration, personnel qualifications, and quality control procedures.
When you collect mold samples from your property, sending them to an accredited lab ensures the results are defensible and scientifically valid. This matters because unaccredited labs may lack proper chain-of-custody procedures, use faulty equipment, or employ staff without relevant certifications. Your results could be challenged by insurance companies, lenders, or remediation contractors if they come from an unaccredited source.
What Accreditation Actually Requires
Accredited labs must demonstrate compliance with specific protocols. AIHA-accredited facilities undergo annual audits and must maintain certifications for technicians who perform laboratory analysis. They follow EPA guidelines for mold sampling, including proper handling of air samples collected over 24-hour periods and bulk samples from suspected areas.
The lab's quality assurance program includes regular equipment testing, blank sample runs to check for contamination, and documented standard operating procedures. Personnel must hold credentials like Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) status or equivalent environmental certifications. This infrastructure costs money, which is why accredited lab results typically cost 20 to 40 percent more than unaccredited alternatives, but the difference directly reflects testing accuracy.
How Accreditation Affects Your Remediation
- Insurance claims: Most homeowner policies require accredited lab results before covering mold remediation costs.
- Real estate transactions: Lenders and title companies frequently demand accredited test results before closing on properties with mold history.
- Remediation verification: Accredited labs perform post-remediation testing to confirm moisture control measures and cleanup protocols worked effectively.
- Legal disputes: If mold causes property damage or health effects, accredited results hold up in litigation because they meet admissibility standards.
Common Questions
- Can I trust results from a lab that isn't AIHA or EMLAP accredited? Not reliably. Non-accredited labs may produce false positives or false negatives. If you later need to file an insurance claim or address a health issue, you'll likely need to pay for re-testing at an accredited facility.
- How long do accredited lab results take? Most accredited labs return preliminary results within 3 to 5 business days, though some analysis methods require longer incubation periods. Rush processing typically costs extra.
- Does the lab need to visit my property? Not necessarily. You collect samples yourself using provided kits, or a certified inspector collects them. The lab analyzes the samples in their facility, not on-site.