Asbestos "Visual" Testing

I've got a bit of suspected asbestos in a new reno project and I'd like to get it tested. I've contact a local place that does what they call visual testing at $55 per sample that I send in to them. Does anyone know exactly what this entails? Is this accurate? Can I be 100% confident of the results?

Does anyone have any recommendations of other asbestos testing services that are cheaper but still accurate?

And yes, I will ask them. But I'd like to hear from experienced reno'ers too.

Thanks.

 

@recko "It should be pointed out that although asbestos can be presumed from a visual inspection, its presence can only be confirmed by taking a sample and having it analysed in a laboratory"

Linky

 

Do a quick scrap at your place. Drop it at a lab and get it sampled. Cost less than a few bucks.

Only needs like a crumb or two worth

 

Actually, in Melbourne they will ask for a small piece if it’s fibro etc.

I’ve had about 4 tests done.

Tell them what the material is and follow their advice about the sample size needed. Make sure they are accredited by NATA.

They inspect with a special microscope. You can either get a verbal result or a certificate

 

Cheaper than $55?

Really?

 

I have used a company in NSW a few times. Process is post sample as per their guidelines, pay $80, wait 24 hours and get a result. I thought 80 bucks was cheap!! Just pay the 55

 

Sorry about asking for cheaper than $55. I meant cheaper than $198 for a lab test per sample. I'm not too keen on paying $55 per sample for a non-conclusive visual inspection. Can anyone add some url's of labs I can send samples to to be tested? Thanks

 

Home | Envirolab Services
Sample Testing Request | Identifibre

 

I used Identifibre in Oakleigh. They all do a visual inspection - i.e. with a special microscope!

 

What makes you think it’s ‘non-conclusive’? If you take it to a lab it should be conclusive...

 

The testing in a laboratory is a microscope and refractive light.

 

I had some testing done recently and they came to site and gave immediate results. Some new whizz bang test kit. $199 for multiple samples. Normally 299, but I was very close to their office.

 

NATA accredited? Using a microscope? With a certificate identifying if it’s asbestos or not?

 

I asked them directly. They emailed back and said the $55 per sample test was an experienced asbestos worker simply looking at the sample (not through a microscope) and deciding whether it was asbestos or not with NO written guarantee. They also said it was not 100% conclusive. They said if I wanted it tested in a lab and conclusive it is $180 per sample.

I am located in a rural area with little other options so am hoping to be able to send the samples off to a lab that is more reasonable and will provide me with conclusive results.

 

Well, you can do that with identifibre and a few other places. Where are you based?

 

No idea about NATA. Not a microscope - see below.

Here is their site: Asbestos Watch Brisbane

A certificate was supplied.