The price of an asbestos analysis is one of the most common questions when planning a renovation. The price varies from provider to provider, so it is worth knowing what it is made up of. In this article we go through what affects the price and how to compare offers sensibly.
What makes up the price of an asbestos analysis?
The price of an asbestos analysis consists of several parts. The most important are the laboratory's analysis work, the reporting and, where applicable, postage. The analysis work includes preparing the sample and examining it under a microscope or with another method. The reporting includes documenting the results and delivering them to the customer in an understandable form.
Some providers include a packaging kit or a return envelope in the price, while others charge for it separately. To make the comparison fair, always check what is included in the total price.
Why do prices differ?
Price differences between laboratories depend on, among other things, the analysis method, the type of result report, the speed of the service and the extent of customer service. Cheaper offers often provide a basic result without further interpretation, while more expensive offers may include an expert's assessment and recommendations.
When comparing prices, also look at what analysis equipment the laboratory uses. A reliable result requires a suitable microscopy method and working steps in line with ISO 22262-1. Semlab analyses samples with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope. A comparison based on price alone can therefore be misleading.
When is one sample enough?
In many cases a single sample is entirely sufficient. If, for example, you want to check the tile adhesive in the bathroom before a renovation, a sample of exactly that material shows whether it contains asbestos. One sample is also enough if the material to be tested is uniform throughout and the structure does not consist of several different layers.
More samples are usually needed if several rooms are to be renovated or the structure has many different layers of material. In a bathroom, for example, tile adhesive, wall filler and floor adhesive may need to be tested separately. Each material is a separate sample.
How do you compare offers?
A good analysis offer has a clear price with no hidden costs. Compare the following: what is included in the price, how quickly you get the result, how the report is delivered and what customer service is available. A low price is a good starting point, but the overall offer is what matters.
Also look at how easy it is to send in the sample. If you can send the sample by post, you save time and effort and do not have to visit the laboratory. At best, the process is so simple that the sample is on its way to the laboratory the same day.
The price in relation to the risk
The price of an asbestos analysis is small compared with the risk of demolishing a material containing asbestos without knowing it. Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health problems, and cleaning up after a demolition is considerably more expensive than an analysis in advance.
In practice, a single analysis is the cheapest insurance for your renovation. It shows how the material must be handled and helps you avoid costly mistakes and health risks. The analysis pays for itself many times over.
Ordering an analysis is easy
Ordering an asbestos analysis is simple. Take a sample of the material, pack it and send it as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service to the laboratory in Finland. At Semlab the analysis costs €49.99 incl. VAT per sample. Business customers with a verified EU VAT number pay without VAT (reverse charge). You pay by card when you order; postage is not included in the price. You receive the result by email in English, usually on the same day the sample arrives at the laboratory. Take a look at our price list – whether you need a single sample or several analyses at once.