Asbestos Testing FAQ

1.  What Do I Need To Have Tested?
   1.  We can’t tell you what you need to have tested. We simply analyze the samples you bring us. You need to contact your local dump (Portland Metro, etc.), or your dropbox company to find out what, specifically, needs to be tested. The Oregon DEQ has a great page about this. 
2.  Can I Take Samples Myself?
   1. You can if you're the owner-occupant of the building. In all other situations (including rental properties) you are legally required to have a professional asbestos survey done. The Oregon DEQ has more information on this.  We have instructions on taking dust, air, water, and bulk material on our site, as well as links with more detailed information. 
3. Will you come take samples for me?
   1.  We are just an analytical lab. We don't take the samples, but we have detailed instructions on doing so. It’s pretty straightforward. You can hire a certified contractor to conduct an asbestos survey for you, if you'd rather. 
4.   Can I Mail My Samples In? How?
   1.  Yes! You’re welcome to mail in your samples (in a sealed Ziploc bag), just be sure you follow the sampling instructions fully. Also be sure to include a fully filled out and signed chain of custody form . IMPORTANT: Please do not put your chain of custody form in the sealed baggie with your sample. It will be considered contaminated, and we won’t be able to use it.
   2. You can send a check with your sample(s) or we can call you and get payment when we receive your sample.
   3.  MOST IMPORTANT: Each sample must be in its own sealed airtight container. No exceptions. Ziploc baggies are perfect for this.
5.  Where can I find your rates and turnaround times?
   1.  You can give us a call. All of our labs (we currently have three labs) perform different services.  ALSO, calling us will allow us to tell you which turnaround times are currently available.
   2.  Our turnaround times are available first come first served so it’s good to call ahead, especially when expected same day, or 24 hour turns.
6.   Why do I need to fill out a Chain of Custody? Can't I just tell you what I want tested?
   1. This is a highly regulated industry which is why we use a legal form called a chain of custody, just like police use in tracking evidence. You’re legally transferring custody of your potentially hazardous material to use for analysis. Be thorough. Read over your chain before you send it or else you may get delayed over something as silly as a missing signature.
7.  If my sample comes back positive for asbestos, what do I do?
   1. Here is a list of all the locations in Oregon which will take your asbestos containing materials.  Give them a call, or your dropbox company, and they'll tell you the next step. 
   2. If you need to hire an abatement contractor, Oregon DEQ has a list of all the certified abatement contractors in the state, posted here. 
8. What if I mail in my samples without the chain?
   1. If you send samples without a chain of custody, or with an incomplete chain, we will set your samples aside and your turnaround time will not be valid until we have the complete, signed, chain of custody. We would call you and you'd need to scan, email, snail mail, etc ... a completed chain of custody form. Your turnaround time clock doesn't start until we have a complete chain of custody. 
9. Your prices are “per sample” so does that mean that if I bring you 5 samples I pay 5x the price?
   1.  The prices are per sample so yes, 5 samples would be 5x the sample price for the turnaround time you select. We have a range of turnaround times available so if you have many samples, going for a longer turnaround time may save you some money.
10. How will I receive my results?
    1. We will email your results to the email address(es) you list on the chain. Only the people listed on the chain of custody have access to your results. You can send them to whomever, but we can only discuss, or send, results to who is listed on the chain.