Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is the process of taking a small material or air sample from a building and analysing it in a laboratory to see if it contains dangerous asbestos fibres and prevent serious risks to human health.

According to Think Tank ResPublica, an estimated six million tonnes of asbestos still exist within 1.5 million buildings in the UK. Effective asbestos testing, including sample analysis, can locate asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in your buildings and can inform relevant asbestos removal to enhance the safety of your environment.

Lucion provides a range of commercial asbestos testing services throughout the UK. As your UKAS-accredited Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) partner, we ensure that our operational systems and safety processes adhere to ISO 9001:2000 quality assurance standards.

Our asbestos testing UK services are designed with your needs in mind to keep you, your occupants and your buildings safe.

How does asbestos testing work?

The asbestos testing process consists of examining a small sample of a suspicious material in an accredited hazardous materials laboratory, using high-powered microscopes to see if asbestos fibres are present. The materials often used for asbestos sample testing include textured wall paint, insulation, floor tiles or cement sheets.

Sample collection

As part of Lucion’s independent sampling process, professional BOHS-certified surveyors will collect asbestos samples on-site through bulk sampling, which consists of cutting or scraping a small sample that goes through the full depth of the suspicious material.

Laboratory analysis

The samples are then sent to our UKAS ISO 17025 accredited hazardous materials laboratory (No. 2569), which operates under the legal entity Lucion Services.

Polarised Light Microscopy is used as the standard method, where extracted fibres are examined under a stereo microscope to see if they contain asbestos. We also use Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to precisely identify ACMs in complex samples like dust, soil or air, and for fibre counting.

Results and reporting

After a thorough analysis of suspicious materials, you will be provided with clear, accredited results identifying the presence of asbestos and which specific type, including chrysolite (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos).

All asbestos reports from Lucion are suitable for compliance records, registers and asbestos management plans. If asbestos is found in the material, Lucion can support you with the appropriate next steps to ensure your buildings remain safe for occupation and use.

Our asbestos testing services

Finding the right asbestos testing services for your needs is crucial to ensure compliance with legislation like the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).

At Lucion, we understand the importance of identifying asbestos and planning for next steps, whether that consists of removal, demolition or ongoing management. We provide a range of UKAS-accredited asbestos testing services to meet your requirements to ensure asbestos is tested and identified safely and effectively.

Bulk sample analysis (PLM)

The most common testing method is asbestos bulk sample analysis, which uses Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) to analyse the unique optical and physical properties of bulk material samples under specialised polarised light. This makes PLM analysis a qualitative tool for asbestos identification.

This is the standard identification method for asbestos analysis in bulk materials and it is used to distinguish non-asbestos fibres from the main types of asbestos: chrysolite, amosite and crocidolite.

SEM analysis and fibre counting

Scanning Electron Microscopy, or SEM analysis, is used to count and measure microscopic asbestos fibres by using a focused electron beam to generate high-resolution surface images. It provides precise fibre determination and counting to prevent misidentification of harmless particles and ensures accurate risk assessment.

It is also used for reassurance asbestos air monitoring to measure the airborne fibre levels in asbestos particles and confirm that a safe is safe to occupy after removal, disturbance or remedial repairs.

PCOM air sample analysis

Phase Contrast Optical Microscopy (PCOM) is a microscopic technique used to count airborne asbestos fibres collected on air sample filters. It is crucially used as part of asbestos air monitoring techniques during removal or disturbance works.

One of our BOHS-certified analysts will then examine air drawn through a filter under a specialised light microscope.

Water absorption testing

A water absorption test determines whether asbestos cement materials are licensed or non-licensed, or if a suspect flat sheet material is lower-risk asbestos cement or higher-risk Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB).

It is a crucial for compliance with CAR 2012, which legally defines asbestos cement as a material that, when dry, absorbs less than 30% water by weight.

Asbestos in soils testing

Asbestos in soils testing is a process used to find and measure asbestos fibres or broken-down materials hiding underground and offers both qualitative and quantitative identification.

Our hazardous materials laboratory then tests the soil in three main stages: identification, quantification and fibre counting.

What materials can be tested for asbestos?

Asbestos material testing is critical because it is the only way to confirm if harmful fibres are present in a building before any work begins and potentially disturbs them.

At Lucion, we offer expert asbestos material testing for a range of common materials, including:

insulation boards
ceiling tiles/textured coatings (Artex)
floor tiles and adhesives
cement sheets and roofing
pipe lagging
sprayed coatings
gaskets and rope seals
soil samples

Working with a certified asbestos testing analyst to test for the presence of ACMs because visual inspection alone cannot confirm the presence of asbestos, since the fibres are invisible.

Our UKAS-accredited laboratory

Lucion’s asbestos testing laboratory is one of the UK’s largest and environmentally friendly hazardous materials laboratory with air source heat pumps and solar PV systems.

Our laboratory – UKAS Testing Lab No. 2569 and Inspection Body No. 0263 – is ISO 17025 accredited and participates in the Scanning Electron Microscopy Fibre Counting Scheme (SEMS), which is run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to help laboratories ensure accurate analysis and counting of asbestos fibres.

We also have UKAS-accredited mobile laboratories for long-term projects, helping to reduce transport emissions.

No matter whether you need to identify or manage asbestos in your buildings, Lucion can help you safely deal with ACMs through our asbestos testing service.

Why choose Lucion for asbestos testing?

Lucion is an asbestos testing company that offers independent testing by BOHS-certified surveyors and analysts. We offer nationwide coverage from our regional offices to provide commercial asbestos testing services that can help your business with asbestos surveying, consultancy, management plans and training to keep your occupants and buildings safe.

Contact us to discuss your requirements and learn more about how Lucion’s asbestos testing UK service can help your organisation make informed decisions when identifying, testing and managing asbestos fibres.

Related asbestos compliance services

At Lucion, we offer a range of asbestos compliance services to help you maintain safety standards within your organisation, whether you are the duty holder or not.

Our services cover everything from asbestos consultancy to asbestos training programmes, with our experienced surveyors and analysts also able to provide expert support with asbestos reinspection surveys, asbestos refurbishment surveys or asbestos management surveys to ensure your building is compliant with CAR 2012.

If asbestos is identified in your building and must be removed, we also provide asbestos removal services.

Case Studies

View all case studies

Long-term Partnership Delivers Expert Asbestos Management for North East Council’s CLASP Estate

View case study

Seven Years of Asbestos Management Services for Manchester City Council

View case study

A Decade of Trusted Asbestos Management with City of York Council

View case study

Assured Asbestos Services

UKAS Accredited – Inspection

Our UKAS ISO 17020 accredited hazardous materials laboratory operates under the legal entity Lucion Services. Lucion Services is a UKAS-accredited inspection body No. 0263 in relation to asbestos.

View our UKAS Schedule

UKAS Accredited – 2569

Our UKAS ISO 17025 accredited hazardous materials laboratory operates under the legal entity Lucion Services. Lucion Services is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 2569 in relation to asbestos.

View our UKAS schedule

Scanning Electrons Microscopy Fibre Counting Scheme (SEMS)

Our UKAS ISO 17025-accredited hazardous materials laboratory operates under the legal entity Lucion Services Ltd. We participate in the Scanning Electron Microscopy Fibre Counting Scheme (SEMS).

Testimonials

I recently attended Lucion’s Asbestos Awareness course at Severn Trent in Coventry. The course was led by Technical Consultant Adam Lomas, who demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise throughout the session.

Adam went above and beyond to ensure all participants fully understood the material. His breadth of knowledge across the subject matter was evident, and he handled questions with professionalism and clarity.

Adam is a real credit to Lucion, and I would highly recommend this course to anyone requiring asbestos awareness training.

Roy Clifton Severn Trent

We’ve worked with Lucion Services since 2018, and they’ve become an invaluable partner to our CP&P Minor Works team. Managing hundreds of projects a year across Manchester’s diverse portfolio, from our historic Town Hall to schools and leisure centres, requires a partner who truly understands our needs.

What sets Lucion apart is their responsiveness and consistency. Whether it’s a planned survey or an emergency requiring a 4-hour response, they deliver without compromising on quality. Their team knows our properties and procedures, and they communicate clearly with all our stakeholders. They’re not just contractors, they’re trusted partners in keeping our buildings safe and compliant.

Team Lead Manchester City Council

I wanted to just say a quick thank you for the work you have put in on the Wimbledon site and, in particular, the call that we held with the ET SHE management team – They advised that they were really impressed with the points that you covered and how you came across (and by association Lucion) in your advice.

Sam Young NG Electricity Transmission

We’ve worked with Lucion for over 13 years now, and they’ve become a real part of our team at City of York Council. Whether it’s tackling big planned projects or responding quickly when something unexpected comes up, Lucion always delivers. They’ve helped us tighten up our compliance processes and make sure we’re keeping our residents and members of the public safe, something we really value. Their team is easy to work with, always keeps us in the loop, and brings real expertise to every job. We trust them completely with the safety of our housing and commercial properties.

Paul Simpson Compliance Manager

Lucion has proven to be an invaluable partner in managing our asbestos compliance requirements since 2016. Their resident-focused approach, combined with technical expertise, has made them a trusted presence across our housing portfolio.

Their surveyors’ professional appearance and conduct have helped build resident confidence, while their thorough reporting and project management ensure we maintain the highest standards of safety. The renewal of our contract to 2029 reflects our confidence in their continued excellence.

Lisa Boulton Health & Safety Compliance Manager

Lucion is a professional and very approachable organisation. Extremely helpful in giving technical advice on asbestos management issues.

NHS Property Services Ltd

Asbestos Testing FAQ

Asbestos testing involves collecting a small sample of a suspected material or air and analysing it in an accredited laboratory to identify asbestos fibres. The results can confirm whether asbestos is present and, where applicable, identify its type.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral historically used in construction. Identifying the type, such as chrysotile, amosite or crocidolite, helps accurately assess risks and determine appropriate management, removal or remediation measures.

Asbestos was widely used in insulation, pipe lagging, fireproof panels, cement roofing, sprayed coatings, floor tiles and textured coatings. Its popularity came from its heat resistance, fire protection, insulation and corrosion-resistant properties.

Employers and duty holders must identify or presume asbestos, assess exposure risks, maintain an asbestos register and management plan, monitor materials and provide relevant information to anyone who could disturb them. Appropriate training and controls must also protect workers and others.

In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) set the main legal requirements for managing and working with asbestos. They cover risk assessment, exposure controls, training, licensing, medical surveillance and record keeping, helping protect employees and others from harmful exposure.

Asbestos was widely used throughout the 20th century before growing evidence linked exposure to serious disease. Its use in UK construction was banned in 1999. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 later consolidated and updated previous legislation, strengthening requirements for managing workplace exposure.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, microscopic fibres can become airborne and be inhaled. Over time, these fibres can cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening, often decades after exposure.

The cost of asbestos testing depends on factors including the number of samples, testing method and required turnaround time. Complex analysis or expedited services may also affect pricing. For an accurate cost based on your requirements, contact us to get a bespoke quote.

Testing times vary depending on the sample type, analysis method and laboratory workload. From sample collection to receiving results, standard turnaround times are available, with expedited options potentially offered where faster analysis is required. Contact us directly to discuss your timescale.

Asbestos testing analyses specific material, soil or air samples to confirm whether asbestos is present. An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a property to identify and assess potential asbestos-containing materials. For broader building assessments, see our asbestos management surveys page.

Asbestos testing should be carried out by competent professionals, with laboratory analysis undertaken by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Accreditation demonstrates that the laboratory meets recognised standards for competence and quality, supporting reliable results and compliance with CAR 2012 requirements.