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Laboratory service

Asbestos and Fibre Testing

IOM provides independent analysis and clear interpretation to help you identify asbestos and other fibres, understand the findings and decide what action to take.

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Service overview

Why accurate identification matters

Suspected asbestos cannot be reliably identified by appearance alone. Without accurate analysis, you may not know whether a material presents a risk or what action is needed.

IOM provides independent testing and expert advice to help you identify asbestos and other fibres, understand the findings and make informed decisions. Our experienced analysts test bulk materials, soils, aggregates, air, water, filters and wipe samples.

We can also advise on sampling strategies, undertake site investigations and provide practical support with complex results.

When this service may be needed

  • Suspected materials or soils require identification
  • Routine workplace fibre monitoring is required
  • Discriminatory fibre identification or low-level analysis is needed

How can we help?

Bulk asbestos sample testing

Asbestos in soils and aggregates

Air, water, filter and wipe analysis

Fibre counting and identification

Sampling, investigations and expert advice

Relevant workplaces

Who we support

Our asbestos testing services support:

Local authorities and environmental agencies

Asbestos and environmental consultancies

Construction companies and property managers

Developers and utilities

Manufacturers

Universities and research organisations

Why IOM

Why choose IOM?

IOM combines accredited laboratory analysis with practical asbestos, occupational hygiene and risk-management expertise. This allows us to support you from initial uncertainty through to informed action.

Our clients benefit from:

Direct access to technical experts

Testing tailored to the sample and the problem

Clear results and practical advice

Fast turnaround options where appropriate

Support with sampling, investigations and interpretation

Important information

Accredited testing you can trust

IOM is a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)-accredited testing laboratory, number 0374.

Our accredited activities include:

  • Identification of asbestos in bulk materials
  • Identification and quantification of asbestos in soils and aggregates
  • Optical fibre counting
  • Analysis of filters and wipes for asbestos using SEM

Bulk asbestos sample testing

We analyse suspected asbestos-containing materials to confirm whether asbestos is present and identify the type found.

Our laboratory can test a wide range of bulk materials, including building products and vermiculite. Same-day and next-day services may be available where required.

Asbestos in soils and aggregates

Brownfield sites – and some greenfield sites – can contain asbestos left by previous buildings, demolition or historic waste disposal. It may be present as loose fibres or fragments of asbestos-containing materials.

Without reliable sampling and analysis, it can be difficult to understand the extent of contamination or decide how the site should be managed.

IOM pioneered methods for the quantitative analysis of asbestos in soils and aggregates.

We help clients understand the findings, assess the risks and make informed decisions about contaminated land.

Our service includes:

  • Identification and quantification of asbestos
  • Advice on sampling strategies
  • Surveys and site investigations
  • Interpretation of laboratory results
  • Quantitative risk assessments
  • Advice on safe working methods for contaminated sites

Air, water, filter and wipe analysis

Our scanning electron microscope (SEM) allows us to identify and quantify asbestos in air, water, filter and wipe samples.

This detailed analysis is particularly valuable when anticipated asbestos levels are low or when a sample contains many fibres that may not be asbestos. It provides clearer evidence to support investigations, risk assessments and management decisions.

Fibre counting and identification

We provide optical fibre counting to support asbestos-in-air testing and routine workplace monitoring where exposure to man-made mineral fibres (MMMF) may occur.

Where fibres need to be identified more precisely, we use SEM. This method can distinguish between fibre types, including refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) and MMMF, and provide information about fibre size.

Sampling, investigations and expert advice

Laboratory results can be difficult to interpret without the right context. Our analysts work directly with you to understand the issue, select the most appropriate analysis and explain what the findings mean.

We can help you:

  • Plan an effective sampling strategy
  • Select the right test for your sample
  • Interpret laboratory results
  • Investigate unusual or complex samples
  • Assess workplace or environmental risks
  • Identify practical next steps

Need help with a sample?

Tell us what you need to test and why. Our laboratory team will help you identify the right analysis and explain how to submit your sample safely.

What the service includes

Confirm whether asbestos is present and identify the type.
Identify and quantify asbestos in soil and loose aggregates.
Use detailed investigative techniques for low level and complex samples.
Support air testing and identify fibre types using appropriate methods.

What you receive

Clear evidence and usable next steps

  • Clear laboratory results matched to the sample and question
  • Identification or quantification where the selected method supports it
  • Technical interpretation and sampling advice
  • Practical next steps for workplace or environmental risk management

Get practical advice for your organisation.

Request a quote

Tell us what you need to achieve and your enquiry will be directed to the most appropriate team.

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