Frequently Asked Questions
The EMMA (Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin Assessment) Combo uses sensitive molecular detection technology to identify the presence and relative abundance of 15 of the most toxigenic molds and 16 mycotoxins in an environmental sample from your home or building. It is priced at $399 when purchased separately.
RTL offers environmental testing for molds and for mycotoxins. The samples can be collected by an environmental inspector or directly by the homeowner by obtaining kits from RealTime Labs. The mold testing determines the presence of mold in a sample taken from the building. The mycotoxin testing is virtually identical to that used to test clinical samples and determine the presence of 16 mycotoxins. Our comprehensive test is called EMMA, which stands for Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin Assessment. It utilizes the same sample for both tests to yield a thorough investigation into what mold and toxins might be permeating your space.
The 3″ x 3″ piece of an HVAC filter gives the best composite of dust from the building. Ideally, the filter should be in your space for at least six weeks. We also recommend using our provided swabs and gauze from our kits to take samples from your vent, A/C return, or places where you see or suspect mold to be growing.
Ideally, the filter should be in your space for at least six weeks before collecting your sample. This allows enough time for the filter to accumulate a representative composite of dust and particles from throughout the building.
Preferred samples are any visible mold, areas with present or past water damage, dust from air conditioner or heater vents and grates, or dust from an air conditioner filter. For dust, collect the equivalent of a thimble full or small cotton ball (approximately 1–3 grams). For other materials such as carpet or sheetrock, send a 3″ x 3″ piece.
If your home does not have central air conditioning or a furnace with a filter, here are some alternative collection options: windowsills; dust from the back of refrigerators or their vents; dust from behind or under furniture; dust from a vacuum cleaner's filter; sheetrock or drywall (avoid painted surfaces); or, if there is visible mold, use moist cotton swabs. You may also use an unused Swiffer duster to collect as much dust as possible, then place the duster in the provided biohazard bag.
Note: cotton swabs and gauze are provided in your kit to collect samples from hard-to-reach areas.
Send a 3″ x 3″ piece of the unwashed material or sample swabs to RTL.
We do not suggest using a Swiffer to collect your sample, as they are too big and bulky and potentially have chemicals on them that could interfere with your test results.
No. Mold spores and mycotoxins can travel through the air and therefore can circulate through your HVAC system. The EMMA is designed to test if a certain area of your home is positive for mold and mycotoxins, not where they originated.
Any house will have spores from many different fungi. These usually come into the house from the outdoors, but may also be on building materials, furniture, carpet, etc. This is not usually a problem unless the house becomes wet and the spores germinate and begin to colonize damp areas, where some fungi can grow and produce toxic mycotoxins.
Anything positive for mycotoxins, at any location in the house, could pose a major health risk.
This is not unusual. We see many cases where we do not detect Stachybotrys spores in environmental sampling, but do detect Macrocyclic Trichothecenes, which are produced by Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys spores are large, heavy, and generally wet, since Stachybotrys require elevated levels of moisture to thrive. This makes it more difficult for the spores to be disseminated throughout the house like smaller Penicillium or Aspergillus spores. However, the presence of the Trichothecenes is key.
Submit 3 samples from various locations in the house (or office) for us to perform the EMMA. Ideally, the tests show the presence of the same mycotoxins as detected in your urine, and the presence of organisms that produce those mycotoxins. The presence in the environment of the same mycotoxins is most critical. For many reasons (e.g., see the question on Stachybotrys above), sometimes the mycotoxin-producing fungal spores are not detected.
An environmental inspector can help you clean up the mold in the house.
Cross contamination is something to seriously consider when moving items from a mold/mycotoxin contaminated home into a new, non-contaminated environment. We recommend you consult with your environmental inspector and specifically ask which items will be safe to move into your new, non-contaminated environment.
Utilize the services of environmental inspectors in your area.
No, the EMMA test is designed for environmental samples only.
Yes, as long as the animal produces urine. A veterinary order is only required in the case of tissue testing. Otherwise, you can order a test for your furry friend under our Shop tab.
Laboratory developed testing, such as that performed by RealTime Labs, is overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which administers the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). All U.S laboratories that test human specimens for health purposes must go through a rigorous accreditation process to meet quality standards, validation processes, and personnel standards.
RealTime Lab is CLIA Certified and CAP (College of American Pathologist) Accredited.
When ordered by a licensed physician, our 16 Mycotoxin Panel may be covered by Medicare and certain insurance providers, depending on the patient's plan, diagnosis, and coverage criteria. Because coverage varies by insurer and policy, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm eligibility and benefits before testing.
Additionally, all our human testing panels may be eligible for reimbursement through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Coverage and reimbursement requirements can vary by plan, so we encourage you to check with your FSA/HSA administrator for specific details.
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the size/weight of the items in your order. You will always know the shipping price before you purchase.
There is free shipping to addresses in the continental US on orders over $100.
Orders are finalized and shipped usually within 1 business day after being placed. Depending on current shipping times, we usually see kits arrive at their destination within 3-5 days of being shipped.
All test sales are considered final. If you decide to return the health test kit within 30 days of placing your order, you are eligible for a full refund, minus the cost of shipping, handling, and processing fees (approximately $50 USD per kit). Refund requests must be sent to info@realtimelab.com within 30 days of the date of purchase and occur prior to the specimen/sample being sent. Due to health concerns, Realtime Labs cannot accept returned or unused test kits. If you received your order and do not wish to conduct the test, we ask that you dispose of the test kit.
Results are returned in approximately 7–10 business days.