• Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
• Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
• Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the possibility of releasing asbestos fibers.
• Carefully cut/scrape a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object.
• Cut/scrape only a small piece of the material. All materials can be grouped into two categories: friable, i.e. the material can be crushed into powder by hand (e.g Acoustic ceiling spray), and nonfriable (e.g. Floor tile, Siding). These amounts are adequate for testing:

• Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a ZipLock bag). Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
• Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled.
• Label the container with an ID number (for example, Sample #1)
• Submit the sample(s) for testing

• For acoustic ceiling (popcorn ceiling) material, three samples from different locations is strongly recommended if it covers more than 1,000 sq. ft (the total cost for three samples is $90).
• The mastic or glue/adhesive under floor tile or linoleum is a separate sample and subject to a separate charge.  (the total cost for flooring and adhesive is $60).  Do not scrape the adhesive, just send an approximately square inch size sample with attached adhesive/masti.  As long as the adhesive is visible under the flooring material, we'll separate it ourselves. 
• For vermiculite insulation, collect at least one cup size sample. Take a sample from the attic floor or the bottom part of wall cavity. Testing at least two samples from different spots in the attic is recommended.
• Do not send Dust or Soil/Dirt samples.  These cannot be accurately analyzed by Polarized Light Microscope (PLM).  Dust samples require analysis by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) which we currently do not provide.  

• Place the container with the sample(s) in a suitable mailing envelope.
• Please fill out an Electronic Submittal Form.  As long as your name is on the shipping envelope and/or sample bags, we'll connect your form to your samples.  If you prefer not to send you info online, use either the Html Submittal Form or the PDF Type-able Form to include with your sample(s).
• Enclose your payment (money order or a personal check) of $40 for one sample and $30 each for two or more samples
• If you prefer to pay by credit card, please follow this link for a secure online transaction.
• International customers should follow the credit card payment link above.
• Samples can be mailed in using the US. postal service, FedEx, UPS, etc. or hand delivered. Our address is:

Western Analytical Laboratory
12734 Branford St., #19
Arleta, CA 91331

• We will notify you of the results within 24 hours.