Many times someone looks at building material and is sure that it contains asbestos. Still, the truth is that no one can look at something and determine that it has asbestos without putting the material under analysis using PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy).
How do you test for asbestos?
You or a certified building inspector with an AHERA certification attached to their name must collect about a 3 square inch piece of the suspected material and placing it in a small Ziploc® bag or jar. You should contain at least two articles from different parts if one test negative, while the other may test positive for asbestos. But if you plan on collecting the samples yourself, make sure to glove up and mask up. Also, spray the sample area with soapy water first to prevent airborne particles. You can use a sharp buck knife or box cutter to collect your pieces. After collecting them and placing them in a bag or jar, mark each container with a number and its location. Doing so will help the abatement company know where the asbestos is present to know where to remove it.
Asbestos testing lab
Your samples will need to be sent to an asbestos testing lab to be analyzed by PLM for the presence of asbestos. This test will show if asbestos is present, the percentage, and the type. It can take anywhere from two weeks to as little as one business day for the lab to yield results to you. It just depends on the service level agreement that you choose from your lab.
How much does it cost to test for asbestos?
The cost to test for asbestos varies, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 per sample for a standard turnaround time. Check with the asbestos testing lab that you are using for their SLA. If you hire a professional to do the work, you should expect to pay an additional $200 for their services.
Suppose you suspect that you have a building material that contains asbestos or need a test conducted for other reasons. In that case, you can send a sample to test for asbestos to 5 Microns Inc. We can deliver the results to you within 2-3 business days from receipt. We also offer same-day service. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?
Mail in asbestos testing
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).
Asbestos testing near me
*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!
Asbestos testing lab near me
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
