Specialty Testing
HERTSMI-2 mold testing, focused subset of ERMI.
HERTSMI-2 is a focused subset of the ERMI panel, measuring 5 high-relevance indicator species. It uses the same DNA-based methodology as ERMI but with a narrower scope, often requested for specific environmental sensitivity assessments.
What is HERTSMI-2 testing?
HERTSMI-2 is a settled-dust DNA test that measures five water-damage-indicator mold species and weights them into a single score. It is a focused subset of the larger ERMI panel, run by the same qPCR method on the same kind of sample at the same laboratories, with fewer targets, which makes it faster to interpret and less expensive to run than a full ERMI. It is widely used in Shoemaker-protocol evaluations to gauge whether a building is reasonable for a sensitive occupant to re-enter, and many treating providers request it by name. The score is environmental data: it describes what is in the building’s settled dust, not what is happening in a person. The re-occupancy decision belongs to the treating clinician. The dust is collected under protocol and analyzed by an accredited laboratory. The written report explains what the score measures and what it does not answer.
About HERTSMI-2 testing
HERTSMI-2 testing is a dust-based environmental screening method commonly utilized to help evaluate indoor environments for specific water-damage-associated mold species commonly discussed within environmentally sensitive building investigations and CIRS-related building screening protocols.
In Florida's climate, elevated outdoor humidity, prolonged cooling seasons, condensation, and HVAC performance issues can contribute to persistent moisture conditions capable of supporting recurring microbial amplification even after remediation has been completed. Indoor relative humidity levels that remain elevated for prolonged periods, combined with short-cycling HVAC systems, inadequate dehumidification, building envelope deficiencies, or unresolved moisture intrusion conditions, may allow environmental fungal conditions to redevelop over time.
PureSpec Environmental collects HERTSMI-2 dust samples utilizing standardized dust collection methods from multiple representative surfaces within the target environment. Sampling locations may include:
- Door frames and upper trim surfaces
- Baseboards
- Ceiling fan blades
- HVAC supply registers
- Tops of cabinets or appliances
- Other elevated dust reservoirs within the indoor environment
All samples are collected utilizing documented chain-of-custody procedures and submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
HERTSMI-2 testing is often utilized as part of a broader environmental assessment process that may also include:
- Moisture mapping
- HVAC evaluation
- Thermal imaging
- Mold inspection
- Air sampling
- ERMI testing
- Post-remediation verification
- Indoor environmental quality assessments
Because Florida's climate creates year-round moisture stress on buildings, environmental conditions may change over time depending on humidity control, HVAC performance, occupant behavior, maintenance practices, and building envelope conditions. In some situations, follow-up environmental testing after remediation or corrective actions may be recommended to help evaluate long-term environmental stability.
HERTSMI-2 testing is an environmental screening tool and is not intended to diagnose medical conditions or determine individual health outcomes. Interpretation of results should be considered together with building conditions, occupant concerns, environmental observations, and guidance from qualified medical professionals when appropriate.
What it covers
What's included?
- Dust sample collection on standard cartridge
- Lab DNA analysis (qPCR) for the 5 HERTSMI-2 species
- HERTSMI-2 score with reference comparison
- Plain-English interpretation
When you need it
When is this service the right fit?
- Healthcare provider has specifically requested HERTSMI-2
- Environmentally sensitive client tracking specific species
- Cost-conscious alternative to a full ERMI when the question is narrow
- Pre/post-remediation tracking of specific indicator species
How it works
How does the process work?
Consultation → Sampling visit → Lab analysis → HERTSMI-2 score report.
Service areas
Where we perform HERTSMI-2 Mold Testing.
15 Florida counties from Central Florida to South Florida, the Tampa Bay area, and North Florida. Click the county nearest you for local context.
Honest answers
HERTSMI-2 testing, answered.
How is HERTSMI-2 different from ERMI?
It is a focused subset of the same method: same dust sample, same qPCR analysis, same laboratories, narrowed to five water-damage indicator species. Fewer targets makes it faster to interpret.
What does the score tell me?
It describes what is in the building's settled dust. It is environmental data, not a health finding, and the decision about whether a space is right for a particular person belongs to their treating clinician.
Why do providers request HERTSMI-2 by name?
Because it is the panel used in the Shoemaker protocol literature, so a provider working to that framework is looking for that specific set of five species and that specific score.
Central Florida coverage