# Problems with PriorityLab **URL:** \ **Category:** Ancillary Inspection Services\ **Tags:** moldlab\ **Created:** [June 17, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453 "2026-06-17T22:15:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![canderson51](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/canderson51/32/232941_2.png) [@canderson51](https://forum.nachi.org/u/canderson51)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/1 "2026-06-17T22:15:29Z")
Has anyone had any very recent issues with incorrect lab results on mold tests from PriorityLab? I have had 5 or 6 out of my last 7 tape lift samples come back as “No Growth”, when there is obvious growth present on the surfaces I’m sampling. This has been only in the last couple weeks and I’ve never had this happen before in over 5 years of using them. Nothing has changed on my end in the inspection or sampling methods or materials, and there is nothing ambiguous about the growth I’m sampling. Hyphae, sporangiophore and sporangium are clearly visible on the surface. I’m not testing for confirmation, I’m testing for documentation due to the contracts in our area requiring it for repair requests. I’ve now had to re-sample one house and I’ve got multiple clients left hanging for days dealing with this. Oh, and I’ve called and emailed and never gotten a response from PriorityLab. I’m trying to figure out what is going on down there. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2026, 10:19pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/2 "2026-06-17T22:19:41Z")
You already know what you need to do. Go back and get new samples and send them to a different lab. ---
**Author:** ![sfetty](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/sfetty/32/331195_2.png) [@sfetty](https://forum.nachi.org/u/sfetty)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2026, 10:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/3 "2026-06-17T22:39:11Z")
Maybe this will help. > **[Laboratory Testing Services](https://daanelabs.com/)** > > Mold and food testing laboratory in Naples Florida. ---
**Author:** ![spatterson5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/spatterson5/32/195461_2.png) [@spatterson5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/spatterson5)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 2:31am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/4 "2026-06-18T02:31:29Z")
We use Sporecyte and have no complaints! Very quick processing and great rates. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 2:43am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/5 "2026-06-18T02:43:17Z")
My only complaint is the shipping bags that Sporecyte provides. I had a broken slide in shipping and had to redo the entire test. Order a case of UPS mini express shipping boxes and use them instead. Otherwise, they are great and have fast service. ---
**Author:** ![spatterson5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/spatterson5/32/195461_2.png) [@spatterson5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/spatterson5)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 3:09am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/6 "2026-06-18T03:09:49Z")
> [@jspencer](#): > > My only complaint is the shipping bags that Sporecyte provides. I I agree, the UPS overnight bags do not provide any protection. We wrap all our samples in a sheet of bubble wrap and have not had any issues. We save it when we get packages or get it from wherever we can find it. Also, we have used brown Kraft paper and crumpled it up and then wrapped it around the samples. I have not thought about getting the small UPS boxes. I might try that. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 3:17am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/7 "2026-06-18T03:17:28Z")
> [@spatterson5](#): > > I have not thought about getting the small UPS boxes. I might try that. You can order them cases at a time free from UPS. ---
**Author:** ![spatterson5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/spatterson5/32/195461_2.png) [@spatterson5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/spatterson5)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 3:30am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/8 "2026-06-18T03:30:53Z")
> [@jspencer](#): > > You can order them cases at a time free from UPS. I just did!!! I have the mini boxes coming (20), and I also ordered the padded envelopes(25). We send off about 2-3 a week. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 4:04am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/9 "2026-06-18T04:04:41Z")
> [@spatterson5](#): > > I just did!!! I have the mini boxes coming (20), and I also ordered the padded envelopes(25). We send off about 2-3 a week. I haven’t had any problems using the same supplied label. ---
**Author:** ![bhull1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bhull1/32/180000_2.png) [@bhull1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bhull1)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 7:04am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/10 "2026-06-18T07:04:26Z")
> [@canderson51](#): > > … and there is nothing ambiguous about the growth I’m sampling. Hyphae, sporangiophore and sporangium are clearly visible on the surface. I’m not testing for confirmation, I’m testing for documentation due to the contracts in our area requiring it for repair requests. . Hi Cameron, Welcome to the forum. Hyphae, sporangiophores, and sporangia are microscopic structures. You can not see them with the naked eye or even a good magnifying glass. They require a microscope, usually 400x or higher, to identify properly. Surface growth that looks “moldy” to the naked eye could be: - Actual mold - Mildew - Dirt/dust - Efflorescence - bacteria - or other fungi that are not “mold” Professional mold identification (especially to genus/species level) requires lab analysis with microscopy. Visual inspection alone can only say “there is visible fungal growth” — not confirm specific structures or even that it’s definitely mold. Experienced inspectors can make educated guesses based on color, texture, location, and smell, but claiming to see hyphae and sporangia with the naked eye is superhuman. ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 12:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/11 "2026-06-18T12:54:27Z")
> [@bhull1](#): > > Hyphae, sporangiophores, and sporangia are microscopic structures. You can not see them with the naked eye or even a good magnifying glass. They require a microscope, usually 400x or higher, to identify properly. Good information, Bert. > [@bhull1](#): > > …claiming to see hyphae and sporangia with the naked eye is superhuman. Yeah, well,…I have these special glasses that I put on. 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/12 "2026-06-18T13:02:30Z")
> [@lkage](#): > > Yeah, well,…I have these special glasses that I put on. 🤣 May he rest in peace. ---
**Author:** ![canderson51](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/canderson51/32/232941_2.png) [@canderson51](https://forum.nachi.org/u/canderson51)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/13 "2026-06-18T14:29:53Z")
“Visual inspection alone can only say “there is visible fungal growth” — not confirm specific structures or even that it’s definitely mold.” I’m not sure who has told you you can’t see hyphae, sporangiophores, and sporangium with the naked eye, but they are incorrect. You do not need a microscope to recognize mold and mold structure. And obviously we are talking about growth/clusters of those structures, not like a single hyphae sitting on a board. Not a superhuman feat, just get a flashlight and get up close to it. I agree a microscope is needed to identify genus/species. I appreciate the welcome, but I’ve been here for over a decade. 😊 ---
**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/14 "2026-06-18T14:36:06Z")
> [@canderson51](#): > > I appreciate the welcome, but I’ve been here for over a decade. 😊 I am glad you posted. Maybe others are also have similar issues and can get it sorted. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/c/6/4/c64af02c0687eabfc4096a6896af5978005a5489.png) ---
**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 2:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/15 "2026-06-18T14:39:54Z")
> [@canderson51](#): > > You do not need a microscope to recognize mold and mold structure. True, but can you verify species with the naked eye or is a microscope required for positive identification? ---
**Author:** ![wkading](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wkading/32/179353_2.png) [@wkading](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wkading)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/16 "2026-06-18T16:59:21Z")
Cheap is Cheap ---
**Author:** ![canderson51](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/canderson51/32/232941_2.png) [@canderson51](https://forum.nachi.org/u/canderson51)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 12:32am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/18 "2026-06-19T00:32:32Z")
> [@bcawhern1](#): > > True, but can you verify species with the naked eye or is a microscope required for positive identification? Yeah, I know it says this is the first time I’ve posted and that I joined in 21. Both are incorrect. InterNACHI doesn’t have perfect records, although this may be a new iteration of the forum on which I have not yet posted. Regarding your other question, I had previously posted this, “I agree a microscope is needed to identify genus/species.” I don’t believe you need testing to positively identify whether something is mold or not in a non-professional setting. When inspecting, you unfortunately have to cover your butt due to liability, and act as if you can’t possibly call mold what we all know it is: mold. Although we would all throw away mold-covered food and exclaim “That’s all moldy!” when asked why. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/19 "2026-06-19T00:49:26Z")
> [@canderson51](#): > > Although we would all throw away mold-covered food and exclaim “That’s all moldy!” when asked why. You never met my mother-in-law before she passed. Just cut that part off and it’s good to go. She had a stomach like a raccoon. ---
**Author:** ![canderson51](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/canderson51/32/232941_2.png) [@canderson51](https://forum.nachi.org/u/canderson51)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 2:24am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/20 "2026-06-19T02:24:01Z")
> [@jspencer](#): > > You never met my mother-in-law before she passed. Just cut that part off and it’s good to go. She had a stomach like a raccoon 😂😂🤣🤣 Yes, I forgot about the previous generations who considered expiration dates a 6 month early suggestion, and called dropping something on the floor “adding flavor”. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 2:32am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/problems-with-prioritylab/268453/21 "2026-06-19T02:32:11Z")
> [@canderson51](#): > > 😂😂🤣🤣 Yes, I forgot about the previous generations who considered expiration dates a 6 month early suggestion, and called dropping something on the floor “adding flavor”. The first time I went to her house, she had left hamburger on the counter 2 days to thaw out. Glad she did not pass those traits down to her daughter. Going back on topic, there was some growth in the old farmhouse basement that looked like some of the bread.