The asbestos analysis itself is quick: we analyse the sample and email you the result on the same day the sample arrives at the laboratory. In practice, the total time from taking the sample to receiving the result therefore depends on how long the sample takes to travel by post from your country to our laboratory in Finland.
What makes up the total time?
The total time of an asbestos analysis consists of three steps: taking and posting the sample, analysis in the laboratory and delivery of the result. Taking the sample usually takes 15–30 minutes. Delivery by post to Finland usually takes a few working days, depending on the country and the delivery option. As soon as the sample arrives at the laboratory, it is analysed the same day, and the result is emailed as soon as the analysis is complete.
Overall, the process is therefore fairly quick: the result is in your inbox on the day the sample arrives, usually a few days after you posted it. That is easily fast enough during the planning phase of a renovation, before removal work begins.
What affects the total time?
Because the analysis is done on the day of arrival, the total time depends mainly on the postal delivery and on how quickly the sample is sent. The quality of the sample also plays a part: if the sample is very small or unclear, the laboratory may have to ask for a new sample, which extends the total time.
If your schedule is tight, for example because the removal work has already been booked and the result is needed immediately, contact the laboratory before sending. Describe your situation and when you need the answer, and we will work out the fastest route for your sample together.
How can I speed up the process?
There are several ways to speed up the process. First, take the sample carefully and make it large enough, so that the laboratory does not need to ask for a new one. Second, post the sample straight after taking it – every day the sample waits to be sent adds to the total time.
Third, order and pay for the analysis online before you post the sample, so that it can be processed immediately on arrival. Fourth, label the sample clearly and enclose all the necessary information, such as your contact details and the material the sample comes from. This avoids unnecessary queries that delay the process.
What if the result is needed quickly?
A special express service is not necessary, because every sample is already analysed on the day it arrives and the result is emailed the same day. If you are in a hurry, the only thing that can be sped up is the sample's journey to the laboratory.
If, for example, the demolition contractor is due to start soon and you need to know for certain before work begins whether the material is safe, order the analysis online and post the sample the same day. The quickest option is to choose a faster delivery service from your national postal service.
The importance of postal delivery
Almost all of the waiting time is taken up by postal delivery. A letter or small parcel from elsewhere in the EU to Finland usually takes a few working days. If you want to shorten this part, you can choose a faster or tracked delivery option. Remember that you pay the postage yourself.
How is the result delivered?
The result is emailed as soon as the analysis is complete, on the same day the sample arrives. The report is in English and shows whether the sample contains asbestos and, if so, which type of asbestos. A clear report helps you and any contractor decide how the removal should be carried out.
If you would like more information about the result or help interpreting it, you can contact us at any time. We are happy to explain what the result means in practice and how you should proceed.