Not sure where to start? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
I'm a homeowner — can I send a sample myself?
Yes. You don't need to be a company. If you see possible mould, notice a musty smell, or have had water damage, you can collect a simple tape-lift, swab or bulk sample and mail it in — or drop it off in Laval. We'll analyze it and send back a clear, analyst-verified report. If you're not sure what to sample, contact us first and we'll guide you.
Can my company send samples to your lab for analysis?
Yes — that's our core service. Mould-remediation contractors, building inspectors, indoor-air-quality consultants and property managers send us the samples they collect — spore traps, tape lifts, swabs and bulk material — and we return an analyst-verified micrograph report. No site visit is required.
What sample types do you accept?
Spore-trap air cassettes; tape-lift, swab and carpet surface samples; and bulk material such as drywall, insulation or ceiling tile. Carpet swabs can be analyzed for carpet beetle larval hairs and for mould in wet or water-damaged carpet. If you're not sure what to send, contact us and we'll advise.
How do I send a sample to DétectAir?
Package the sample so it's protected, include your contact details and what you'd like analyzed, then ship it to us or drop it off at our Laval lab. Including clear photos of the sampled area and any visible damage makes your report more complete and accurate. Ask for a chain-of-custody form if your work requires one.
Do you offer volume or account pricing?
Yes. Companies that send samples regularly can open an account with volume pricing. Contact us for a quote tailored to your work.
What is a spore trap analysis?
A spore trap cassette draws a precise volume of air through a sticky surface. Airborne particles — spores, hyphal fragments, pollen, skin cells — impact and stick to it. We then examine that surface under a microscope, identify what's present, count concentrations, and compare your indoor results to outdoor background levels.
How is a surface sample different from an air sample?
An air sample captures what's currently floating in the air. A surface sample (tape-lift or swab) tells you what has settled or is actively growing on a surface. They answer different questions and are most powerful when used together.
Why do I need an outdoor reference sample?
Many mould spores naturally exist outdoors. Without knowing the outdoor background level on the day of sampling, it's impossible to determine whether indoor levels are elevated. Ideally an exterior sample is collected alongside yours; when one isn't provided, we compare against our own outdoor reference as a backup — giving your results the context they need to be meaningful.
What does a clear result mean — can it rule out mould?
It means no significant mould or particulates were found in the sample you sent — nothing more. A spore trap or surface sample is a snapshot of one spot at one moment, and mould hidden behind a wall doesn't always shed spores into the air, so a clean sample can't rule out a hidden problem. If you still suspect an issue — a musty smell, past water damage, visible staining — the right next step is an on-site look at moisture and sources, not another air grab.
What can microscopy see — and what can't it?
Our analysis identifies and counts what's visible under the microscope in your sample: mould spores, pollen, fibres, insect fragments, soot and other particulates. It can't measure gases, VOCs, odours, ultrafine particles or bacteria — those aren't visible by microscopy and need instrument-based testing. So we report the key findings microscopy supports from your sample, not a complete analysis of your air. Instrument-based, on-site air-parameter testing is a separate service we're adding as the lab expands.
Do you perform mold remediation?
No. We are an independent analysis laboratory only. This means our findings are unbiased — we have no financial interest in recommending remediation work. If remediation is needed, we'll tell you clearly and can point you toward reputable contractors.
How long does it take to get results?
Most analyses are reported within a few business days of the sample arriving at the lab. Turnaround can depend on the sample type and how many samples you send — contact us for current timing.
Are services available in French?
Yes. All services, reports, and client communication are available in both French and English. Reports can be delivered in either language or both.
