Asbestos Testing FAQ

1.  What Do I Need To Have Tested?
   1.  We can’t tell you what you need to have tested. Our industry is very tightly regulated and the separation of powers is extreme. 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. There's a lot there which homeowners will find useful. 
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 completely fill out and submit your sample submission form .  If you choose our online submission form you will eliminate the chance of forgetting something important on the form (like signing it or choosing a turnaround time or project address) 
   2. You can send a check with your sample(s) or we can call you and get payment when we receive your sample. It's preferred that we call you for payment once the samples are received, in case there are any changes (a different turnaround for example) which need to be made which would render the check void. 
   3.  MOST IMPORTANT: Only ONE sample per sealed Ziploc.  No exceptions. 
5.  How does the online submission process work? 
   1. ​You fill in the information on the online form as requested. Once you submit the form we hold onto it until you drop the samples off at our lab. Please make sure to mark your samples with the name and phone number you put on the form. This ensures that we can match your sample to your paperwork. 
   2. Your turnaround time begins once we've received your sample(s) and completed submission form, and we've signed it. 
   3. You will get your payment receipt in the email in which we provide your test results. 
6. Where can I find your rates and turnaround times?
   1.  You can give us a call. All of our labs (we currently have two labs) perform different services.  ALSO, calling us will allow us to tell you which turnaround times are currently available. We offer 2hr, 4hr, 24hr, 2, 3, 4, or 5 day. Prices are posted on the submission forms.
   2.  Our turnaround times are available first come first served so it’s good to call ahead, especially when expecting same day, or 24 hour turns. 
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 submitting a submission form, we will set your samples aside and your turnaround time will not be valid until we have the complete, signed (digitally), sample submission form . Your turnaround time clock doesn't start until we have a complete chain of custody, and the sample in hand. You can include a paper copy or submit the form online, your preference. Online reduces the chances of there being an error which delays analysis. 
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 submission form 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. This means your realtor, contractor, friend, etc. cannot call to access/change anything unless you put their names on the form you submitted. 
11. I put the wrong information on the form and I didn't notice until I received my results. Can that be fixed? 
    1. ​Yes, we can revise jobs after analysis has been performed, but there is a $20 fee to do so. The reason for this is that it is a very involved process on our end. It involves the admin, the analyst who performed the job, and the lab director in order to fully make the change. It also needs to be logged as a non conformance issue (error report) which needs to be written up and approved. There are a lot of steps to take in order to make the revision and document why it was necessary. Asbestos is a highly regulated industry and this is one of the areas in which that is manifest.