Mould is one of those things that lurks quietly in the background—until it becomes a problem you can’t ignore. You might notice a musty odour, a patch of discolouration creeping up your walls, or, worse, unexplained allergies and respiratory issues in your household. But here’s the tricky part: mould doesn’t always make itself obvious. It can thrive behind walls, beneath carpets, inside air conditioning units, and even in the air you breathe. By the time you see visible signs, it may have already spread significantly.

Mould and bacteria flourish in damp, humid environments, making certain conditions particularly ideal for their growth. Weather plays a big role. In warm and humid climates, mould spreads rapidly, feeding on moisture in the air. But it isn’t just summer humidity that invites trouble—winter condensation can also create perfect breeding grounds, especially in homes with poor ventilation.

Mould exposure can lead to a range of health issues, from mild allergic reactions like sneezing and itchy eyes to more severe problems like asthma flare-ups, chronic respiratory conditions, and even skin irritation. Certain types of mould, such as black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum), can release mycotoxins that are particularly harmful to those with weakened immune systems, children, and pets.

So, how do you know if mould or bacteria is quietly taking hold in your home? That’s where testing comes in. Instead of waiting for a problem to become visible—or worse, impact your health—proactive testing can help you detect hidden mould early and take action before it spreads.

Introducing the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit

The SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit offers a simple and reliable way to check for mould contamination in your living space, whether you’re concerned about a specific area or just want peace of mind. This easy-to-use kit helps you identify potential risks before they become major issues, allowing you to take control of your indoor air quality.

But how does it actually work?

The mould testing kit uses a convenient and effective method for detecting mould spores and bacteria in the air, water or on surfaces.The mould test kit is simple to use, allowing you to sample air quality or surface contamination with ease. After exposure to the environment being tested, the slides are incubated for a specific period, during which microbial growth becomes visible. This provides an early warning system for potential mould or bacterial contamination, enabling you to take preventative action before the issue escalates.

This kit is suitable for testing a variety of indoor environments, including:

• Homes
• Offices & workspaces
• Boats & caravans
• Rental properties

Now, let’s walk through how to use the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit step by step.

Guide on how to use the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit

Using the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit is a straightforward process that allows you to detect the presence of mould and bacteria in your indoor environment. Whether you're testing the air, a surface, or water, following these steps carefully will ensure accurate results.

Step 1: Understand the testing applications

Before you begin, it’s important to know how the dip slide works:

• The dark agar side – Specifically designed to detect mould spores.
• The light agar side – Detects bacteria and some types of mould.

Step 2: Prepare the dip slide for testing

• Carefully remove the dip slide from its plastic container.
• Do not touch the agar-coated surfaces, as this could lead to contamination and inaccurate results.

Step 3: Choose your testing method

Depending on where you suspect mould or bacteria might be present, you can test air, surfaces, or water using the following methods:

A) Air Sample Testing (For testing airborne mould spores and bacteria)

• Hold the dip slide firmly by its tab to avoid contact with the agar.
• Position one side of the slide directly in front of an air source (e.g., an air conditioning vent or an open space where airflow occurs) for one full minute.
• Rotate the dip slide and expose the opposite side to the air stream for another one minute.
• Once both sides have been exposed, proceed to the next step.

📌 This method helps assess whether airborne mould spores or bacteria are circulating in your environment.

B) Surface Sample Testing (For detecting contamination on furniture, walls, air conditioning vents, etc.)

• Holding the dip slide by the tab at each end, press one side of the slide gently but firmly against the test surface.
• Apply light pressure—similar to the pressure used when measuring a pulse with two fingers.
• Use the ribbed neck of the dip slide to bend slightly, ensuring full contact between the agar and the surface.
• Repeat the process with the opposite side on a nearby area for comparison.

📌 Ideal for checking commonly affected areas like bathroom tiles, kitchen counters, air vents, and fabrics.

C) Water Sample Testing (For testing drinking water, humidifiers, tanks, and reservoirs)

• Hold the dip slide firmly by the tab and select one of the following methods:
  • Immerse the entire dip slide in the water for approximately 10 seconds.
  • Hold the dip slide under running water to ensure both sides are covered.
  • Spray water onto both sides of the dip slide until adequately wet.
• Remove the dip slide from the water and allow any excess liquid to drain off for a few seconds.

📌 Useful for assessing water sources for bacterial and fungal contamination, especially in stagnant or stored water.

Step 4: Secure and label the sample

• Place the dip slide back into its plastic container without touching the agar surface.
• Seal the container firmly to prevent contamination.
• Complete the label provided and attach it to the plastic container for tracking and reference.

Examples to write on the label:

• Sample: Air – Living Room AC Vent
• Date: 12/02/2025
• Time: 10:30 AM
• Source: Air conditioning vent (tested during operation)

OR

• Sample: Surface – Bathroom Tiles
• Date: 12/02/2025
• Time: 2:15 PM
• Source: Near shower area, visible black spots present

OR

• Sample: Water – Rainwater Tank
• Date: 12/02/2025
• Time: 4:45 PM
• Source: Tap outlet from water storage tank

OR

• Sample: Surface – Caravan Ceiling
• Date: 12/02/2025
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Source: Inside caravan, near air vent, damp smell detected

Step 5: Incubate the test sample

The test sample needs time to develop results, which can be done in two ways:

1. Incubation at home

• Store the dip slide in a warm location (25°C to 32°C) inside a sealed box for 48 to 120 hours.

📌 Higher temperatures may speed up bacterial and mould growth, while lower temperatures may extend the incubation period.

2. Sending the sample to a laboratory

If you prefer professional analysis, you can send your test kit to a laboratory for incubation and detailed assessment. Labs we suggest contacting in Australia:

✔ Mycolab/Mycotec
✔ Eurofins

However, please note:

• Lab analysis and delivery expenses to the lab are your responsibility.
• You will need to provide your own incubator (such as a thermos box) to keep the sample safe and at a stable temperature during transport.
• Aussie Pharma Direct does not currently sell incubators, so you will need to source one separately.

📌 Before sending your sample, we recommend reaching out to the lab for specific instructions on packaging and submission requirements.

Step 6: Interpret the results (For at home incubation)

• After the incubation period, check the dip slide for visible signs of mould or bacteria growth.
• Compare the results with the interpretation chart provided with the kit.
• Depending on the level of growth, you can determine whether action is needed to clean, remediate, or seek professional testing.

Test result interpretation:

Level of Infestation	Light	Medium	Heavy
Mould
Bacteria/mould
Status	Normal levels of bacteria and mould typically present in most buildings Note: It is extremely uncommon to find an indoor environment that does not have any mould.	Infestation is likely to increase significantly if left untreated. Affected area would require cleaning within a week.	Infestation is severe and dangerous for health. Room should be sealed and should not be occupied. If entering room, wear protective gear (masks, goggles, coveralls, gloves and shoe covers).

 

Step 7: Dispose of the dip slide safely

Once the testing process is complete, it is important to dispose of the dip slide correctly to prevent further contamination:

✔ Method 1:

• Place the dip slide in direct sunlight for at least 12 hours.
• Dispose of it in a normal waste bin.

✔ Method 2:

• Pour SAN-AIR Surface Mould Remover into the plastic container before disposal.
• Replace the dip slide, reseal the container, and discard it in a normal waste bin.

Taking action based on your results

If your test results indicate low to moderate contamination, consider using SAN-AIR Mould Removal and Air Purifying products to help control and prevent mould and bacterial growth. 

If the contamination is severe, professional mould remediation may be necessary to address hidden or widespread issues.

Not sure whether you can handle the issue yourself or if you need expert help? Get expert insights by downloading our FREE eBook on mould remediation → When to DIY and When to Call a Pro: A Homeowner’s Guide to Mould Remediation.

👉 Download our FREE eBook now!

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Tags

Health & Wellbeing Home & Lifestyle Mould Solutions Respiratory Health Safety & Protection SAN-AIR