MVOC Testing Services

Advanced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOC) testing in White Bear Lake, MN. Our specialized MVOC testing detects hidden mold growth and microbial activity through chemical analysis of airborne compounds. Essential for detecting mold behind walls, under flooring, and in other inaccessible areas where traditional visual inspection cannot reach.

MVOC Testing Equipment

What is MVOC Testing?

Understanding Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds and their detection

Advanced Chemical Detection

MVOCs are chemical compounds produced by actively growing mold and bacteria. These volatile compounds are released into the air and can be detected even when the source is hidden behind walls, under flooring, or in other inaccessible areas.

Our MVOC testing uses sophisticated analytical equipment to identify specific chemical markers that indicate the presence of microbial growth, providing early detection before visible signs appear.

Hidden Mold Detection

Traditional mold testing requires visual access to take samples. MVOC testing can detect mold growth in:

  • Wall cavities and behind drywall
  • Under flooring and carpets
  • Above ceiling tiles
  • HVAC ductwork and plenums
  • Crawl spaces and basements
Microbial Activity Detection

MVOC Testing vs Traditional Mold Testing

Understanding the advantages of chemical detection methods

MVOC Testing
  • Detects hidden mold growth
  • No physical access required
  • Identifies active microbial growth
  • Early detection capability
  • Covers large areas efficiently
  • Chemical analysis accuracy
Best for: Hidden mold detection
Traditional Visual Testing
  • Identifies visible mold species
  • Direct sampling possible
  • Spore count analysis
  • Requires visible access
  • Cannot detect hidden growth
  • Limited to accessible areas
Best for: Visible mold identification

Common MVOC Compounds We Detect

Chemical markers indicating specific types of microbial activity

3-Octanone

Primary marker for Aspergillus and Penicillium mold species

Sources: Water damage, high humidity environments
Odor: Musty, earthy smell
Geosmin

Characteristic earthy compound from various mold species

Sources: Soil contact, basement moisture
Odor: Strong earthy, soil-like smell
2-Methyl-1-butanol

Indicator of active fungal metabolism and growth

Sources: Active mold colonies
Odor: Sweet, fruity, wine-like smell
1-Octen-3-ol

Common fungal metabolite with mushroom-like odor

Sources: Wood decay fungi, moisture damage
Odor: Mushroom, woody smell
Dimethyl Disulfide

Bacterial metabolite indicating moisture and organic decay

Sources: Bacterial growth, sewage issues
Odor: Rotten egg, sulfur smell
Sesquiterpenes

Complex compounds from specific mold species

Sources: Stachybotrys (black mold)
Odor: Pungent, chemical-like smell

MVOC Testing in Minnesota Climate

Specialized applications for Minnesota's unique environmental challenges

Ice Dam Damage Detection

Minnesota's harsh winters create ice dams that can cause hidden water damage and mold growth in wall cavities and attic spaces.

  • Detects mold behind ice-damaged walls
  • Identifies attic moisture problems
  • Early spring damage assessment
Basement Moisture Issues

Minnesota's clay soil and groundwater create persistent basement moisture problems that can lead to hidden mold growth.

  • Foundation wall mold detection
  • Behind finished basement walls
  • Under basement flooring
Ventilation System Analysis

Tightly sealed Minnesota homes can trap moisture and create ideal conditions for hidden mold growth in HVAC systems.

  • Ductwork contamination detection
  • Air handler mold assessment
  • Return air plenum testing
Seasonal Home Transitions

Minnesota's extreme seasonal temperature changes create condensation and moisture problems that can lead to hidden mold.

  • Spring moisture damage assessment
  • Fall preparation testing
  • Thermal bridge mold detection

Our MVOC Testing Process

Comprehensive chemical analysis for accurate microbial detection

1
Initial Assessment

Visual inspection and moisture assessment to identify potential problem areas and sampling locations.

2
Air Sample Collection

Specialized sampling equipment collects air samples from multiple locations for MVOC analysis.

3
Laboratory Analysis

Samples analyzed by certified laboratory using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology.

4
Results & Recommendations

Detailed report with MVOC levels, interpretation, and recommendations for further investigation or remediation.

When to Use MVOC Testing

Specific situations where MVOC testing provides critical information

Unexplained Odors

Persistent musty, earthy, or unusual odors with no visible source

  • Intermittent odors
  • Seasonal smell changes
  • HVAC-related odors
Health Symptoms

Unexplained respiratory symptoms or allergic reactions

  • Persistent cough
  • Sinus congestion
  • Allergic reactions
Water Damage History

Previous water damage with potential hidden mold growth

  • Flood damage
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Roof leaks

MVOC Testing Pricing

Professional microbial volatile organic compounds testing at competitive rates

Professional MVOC Testing

$175 / Service
  • Professional air sample collection
  • Certified laboratory analysis
  • GC-MS chemical identification
  • Detailed results interpretation
  • Professional recommendations

Save with bundle pricing when combined with traditional mold testing!

Call (507) 259-3900

Need MVOC Testing?

Get professional microbial volatile organic compounds testing and detect hidden mold growth with advanced chemical analysis!