We now live in a world where we can get instant gratification thanks to advances in technology. So when it comes to testing for asbestos, we also expect to get quick results. The truth is it is possible to get a quick test for asbestos.
How to test for asbestos
Before you know if a particular material contains asbestos, you will need to have the asbestos-containing material collected adequately so it can be processed to be tested for asbestos. Let’s assume that you want to remodel your house by removing a wall that separates your kitchen and dining room to have an open space; you will need to gather some samples of this wall and get them tested for asbestos. The best way to do this is to prepare yourself to collect the pieces safely and efficiently. Get yourself a box knife, some latex gloves, a couple of Ziploc® bags, a marker, and a spray bottle with water and soap, which you will use to spray the surface area to be cut to prevent potential fibers from becoming airborne. You need to cut about three square inches of the material. Take two samples from the point where the ceiling and wall connect, making sure to get a piece of the joint compound and drywall. Place the parts in the plastic bag and label them with numbers and locations.
After you have collected all the samples, you will need to find a local asbestos testing lab to drop them off or a lab offering a mail-in asbestos testing service. Make sure that the lab that you use is nationally accredited. Once the asbestos testing lab receives your material, they will place them under Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). This testing method will enable the lab technician to tell you if there is asbestos, the percentage, and type. Depending on the lab you choose, it can take as little as 3 hours to get results. Make sure to ask the asbestos testing lab that you choose for their (TAT) Turn-Around-Time.
How much does it cost to test for asbestos?
There is likely to be an additional fee for rush service from the asbestos testing lab that you choose, but standard TAT is 3-5 days costing $40 per sample on average. Again, check with the lab of your choice for their service rates.
Asbestos testing lab
If you need a quick test for asbestos, you can send a sample to test for asbestos to 5 Microns Inc. We offer mail-in asbestos testing with 3 hour turnaround times from receipt. And we can send you the result by email and give them to you over the phone or mail you a hard copy. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding asbestos testing; we would be delighted to help you.
Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?
Mail-in samples to the following address *at Tabor 100 co-working offices:
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
IMPORTANT-MUST READ FIRST: All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our asbestos chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).
*PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL DROP-OFFS: All samples must be dropped off at the back of the office building located at 7100 Fort Dent Way Tukwila WA outside the Tabor 100 Office and placed inside the black drop-box pictured below. Do not take your samples to the front desk. The front desk will not accept drop-offs over the counter, NO EXCEPTIONS
