Short answer: an asbestos testing kit lets you take a small sample yourself and post it to a laboratory. It can answer one question about one material. It does not replace a survey, and taking the sample means disturbing a material that may contain asbestos. For anything more than a single, easy-to-reach material, professional asbestos testing is usually the safer route.
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What is an asbestos testing kit?
An asbestos testing kit (also sold as an asbestos test kit or asbestos check kit) is a pack you buy online. It normally contains sample bags, basic protective equipment, instructions and a prepaid envelope. You take a small piece of the material, seal it and post it to a laboratory, which reports whether asbestos fibres were found and which type of asbestos they are.
Asbestos testing kit vs professional testing
| Question | DIY asbestos testing kit | Professional asbestos testing |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes the sample? | You do | A trained surveyor |
| Risk of disturbing fibres | Depends on your care and the material | Controlled sampling method and sealed repair of the sample point |
| What the result covers | Only the piece you sampled | The materials the surveyor inspected and sampled, with locations recorded |
| Written report | Usually a lab certificate only | Report with photos, locations and recommendations |
| Accepted by builders and contractors | Often not enough before building work | Suitable to share with contractors |
When a kit may be enough
- You own and live in the home, and you want to check a single material.
- The material is easy to reach and in good condition.
- No building work is planned that would disturb other parts of the property.
When to use a professional asbestos tester instead
- The material is damaged, crumbling or soft, such as pipe lagging, sprayed coatings or asbestos insulation board.
- You are planning refurbishment or demolition. A sample of one material does not show what is hidden elsewhere. A refurbishment survey is normally needed.
- The building is non-domestic or has communal areas. The dutyholder needs suitable survey information, not a single lab certificate.
- You are a landlord, buyer or seller and need a report other people will rely on.
- Several materials need checking. One visit can sample them all. See asbestos sampling vs survey.
If you do use a kit: basic precautions
- Follow the kit instructions exactly and wear the protective equipment supplied.
- Keep other people and pets out of the room.
- Dampen the material first and take the smallest piece you can. Never drill, sand or snap it.
- Seal the sample point afterwards and clean up with damp wipes, not a vacuum cleaner.
- Check that the laboratory is UKAS-accredited for asbestos identification.
If you are not comfortable doing this, do not take the sample. Leave the material alone and ask for asbestos testing in London.
How we can help
- Independent asbestos surveying: we survey, sample and report; we do not remove asbestos
- BOHS P402-qualified surveyor
- Surveys carried out in accordance with HSE guidance HSG264
- Samples analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratory
- Digital reports issued within 24–48 hours of the site visit
Surveys start from £250 with a fixed written quote. See our asbestos survey cost guide. For testing prices, see our asbestos testing cost guide.
FAQs
Are asbestos testing kits accurate?
The laboratory analysis can be reliable if the lab is UKAS-accredited. The weak point is the sample: the result only applies to the piece you took, and a poor sample can miss asbestos that is present in another layer or area.
Can I use an asbestos test kit before building work?
A kit result for one material is not a survey. Before work that disturbs the fabric of a building, a refurbishment or demolition survey of the work area is normally what contractors need.
How long do results take?
Kit turnaround depends on the supplier and the post. With our service, digital reports are issued within 24–48 hours of the site visit.
Want it checked properly? Call 07707 999369 · WhatsApp a photo · info@asbestoslondonsurvey.co.uk · Request a written quote