How large does an asbestos sample need to be?

A piece of roughly 2–3 cm is usually enough. What matters most is that the sample represents the material being examined and contains the layers you want analysed.

Can I take the asbestos sample myself?

You can take a single material sample yourself by following the instructions. Avoid creating dust and wear an FFP3 respirator and protective gloves.

Can I bring the sample to the laboratory?

Yes. You can send the sample by post or bring it to OneLab at Ukkohauentie 11–13 A, 02170 Espoo.

When is the result ready?

The report is emailed on the same day the sample arrives at the laboratory and is registered as received.

Does each material need its own sample?

Yes, if you want separate results for each material. Every material or layer to be analysed separately is packed as its own sample.

Material sample

An asbestos sample tells you whether the material contains asbestos

Take a small sample of the suspected material, pack it tightly and send it by post or bring it to OneLab’s laboratory. You will receive a clear result report by email on the day the sample arrives.

Order an asbestos sample Sampling guide

Service

€39.90

+ VAT per sample

Same day

result when the sample arrives

JEOL SEM-EDS

electron microscope analysis

Short answer

An asbestos sample is a small piece of the building material to be examined.

The sample must represent the exact material layer whose asbestos content you want to determine. Different materials and layers are sent as separate samples. The laboratory identifies any asbestos fibres using a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope.

The sample’s journey

From a material to a definitive result

1. Order online

Choose the number of samples and the payment method. You receive an order number and dispatch instructions.

2. Take the sample

Detach a small, representative piece of the material without creating dust.

3. Send or deliver

Pack the sample tightly and send it by post or bring it straight to our laboratory in Espoo.

4. Receive the report

We analyse the sample and email you a clear result on the day it arrives.

Sampling

Take a representative sample of one material

The sample is usually about 2–3 cm. Include all layers of that material if they are to be analysed as a single unit. If you need separate results for, say, the surface material and the adhesive, send them as separate samples.

Wear an FFP3 respirator and gloves
Include every material layer to be examined
Do not drill or sand the material
Seal each sample in its own bag

Delivery

Post the sample or bring it to us

Mark the bag with the sample’s location and material. You can send the sample from anywhere in Finland or bring it to OneLab’s laboratory at Ukkohauentie 11–13 A, 02170 Espoo.

Result

Report on the day of arrival

Once the sample is registered as received, it is analysed with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope in accordance with the ISO 22262-1 standard. The report states clearly whether asbestos was detected in the sample and which type of asbestos was found.

Result: asbestos / no asbestos
Identified fibre type
PDF report by email
Documentation per order

Sampling and legislation

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health: Sampling asbestos material Finlex: Asbestos survey, Government Decree 798/2015

Frequently asked questions

Questions about asbestos samples

Next steps for your asbestos sample

Order a sample Sampling guide Packing Dispatch Price list Asbestos in tile adhesive Asbestos in pipe insulation Asbestos in vinyl flooring

Ready to send your asbestos sample?

Place your order online in a few minutes. Send the sample by post or bring it to us.

Order an asbestos sample See the price list