Licensed Asbestos and Mold Analytical Laboratory
In-house lab specializing in PCM, PLM, and Mold analyses
SAMPLE ANALYSIS
PCM ANALYSIS
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is primarily used for estimating asbestos concentrations in air, though not differentiating between asbestos fibers and other fibers using NIOSH Method: 7400 but also used for the specific non-asbestos fiber measurements of fibrous glass.
PLM ANALYSIS
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is used for detection of asbestos fibers using EPA 600/R-93/116: Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials and EPA 600/M4-82-020: Interim Method for Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Insulation Samples. Microscopists can distinguish asbestos fibers from non-asbestos fibers utilizing specific optical properties.
MOLD ANALYSIS
Fungal Spore Identification of Air, Bulk, and Surface Direct Examination by Optical Microscopy using ASTM:D7381-17 and ASTM:D7658-17 supplemented by ALS-110, 111, and 112. Microscopists are highly trained in fungal spore identification and must maintain satisfactory performance in all proficiency testing.
OTHER LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Organic and inorganic chemicals, metals, silica dust, priority pollutants, TCLP, and a full range of specialized analysis are provided at off-site laboratory facilities.
TURN-AROUND TIME
Our policy includes immediate, 24 hour, and 3-5 day turn-around times for most asbestos and lead samples. Average turn-around time on other industrial hygiene samples is five business days with priority and weekend analysis available upon advance request. Priority analysis ensures that results are transmitted via facsimile the same day with hard copies mailed within 48 hours of analysis and incurs an additional charge. Turn-around time on referred tests is 7-10 business days.
LICENSED AND ACCREDITED
PCM, PLM, and Mold analyses are performed on-site in our laboratory, which is NVLAP (Lab code 200515-0) and AIHA LAP, LLC (Lab ID# LAP-102666) accredited.
Our staff of trained professionals are active in professional organizations, accredited and licensed for PLM Bulk asbestos fiber analysis EPA-600/M4-82-020: Interim Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Insulation Samples as well as PCM asbestos fibers in air analysis National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 582 Method.
Our Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program is designed to ensure the scientific reliability of our laboratory data. System audits and performance audits include the introduction of QC samples and blind samples, participation in performance evaluation testing conducted by the United States Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) rounds administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and exchanges with other external laboratories in round robin testing. A minimum of 10% of industrial hygiene sample analysis is reanalyzed for QC purposes.
Copies of certifications/accreditations are available upon request as well as current results of NVLAP/NIOSH PAT proficiency rounds.
