How an asbestos test kit works
- You order a kit online. It usually contains sample bags, a disposable mask, gloves, a spray bottle and instructions.
- You take a small sample following the instructions.
- You post it to the laboratory.
- The lab analyses it under a microscope and emails a certificate saying whether asbestos was detected and, if so, which type.
How to choose a test kit
- The lab must be UKAS-accredited for asbestos analysis. HSE says analysts must be accredited by UKAS, and you can check a lab on the UKAS website.
- Check what the price includes: number of samples, return postage, PPE and the turnaround time.
- Look for clear instructions on taking the sample and sealing the area afterwards.
- A written certificate you can show a contractor, landlord or buyer.
Taking a sample safely
Only sample lower-risk materials in good condition, such as a textured coating, a floor tile or a piece of cement sheet. Follow the kit's instructions; typically:
- Keep other people and pets out of the room and turn off fans.
- Put on the disposable mask and gloves supplied.
- Lightly mist the spot with water to keep dust down.
- Take a small piece with a hand tool, not a power tool, straight into the sample bag.
- Seal the bag, then seal the sampled spot (many kits supply tape or sealant).
- Wipe the area and tools with a damp cloth, and bag the cloth, gloves and mask as waste.
Don't sample these yourself: pipe or boiler lagging, sprayed coatings, loose-fill insulation, insulating board, or any material that is crumbling or damaged. These are higher risk. Use an asbestos surveyor.
Professional asbestos testing and costs
If you'd rather not take a sample yourself, an asbestos surveyor can visit, take samples of the suspect materials and send them to a UKAS-accredited lab. Laboratory analysis is commonly advertised at around £15 to £30 per sample, but a visit adds a call-out or survey fee, so a professional asbestos test usually costs more than a home asbestos test kit. It is the better choice when the material is hard to reach, higher risk or damaged, or when you need several materials checked.
Test kit or asbestos survey?
| Test kit | Asbestos survey | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One suspect material you want to check | A whole property, or before refurbishment or demolition |
| Who takes samples | You | A trained surveyor |
| Cost | Around £25 to £80 | More, depending on the property and the survey type |
| Accepted by contractors | For a single material, usually | Yes, and required before most refurbishment work in non-domestic buildings |
Asbestos sample record
ASB-SAMPLE · Rev A| Property address | |
|---|---|
| Sample reference | |
| Material and location (room, wall, ceiling, floor) | |
| Approximate age of material | |
| Condition before sampling | |
| Date sampled and by whom | |
| Lab name and UKAS accreditation number | |
| Result (asbestos detected / not detected, type) | |
| Action decided |
Planning building work on a pre-2000 property? A survey finds asbestos before your builder does. Get a free, no-obligation asbestos survey quote.
Frequently asked questions
Are home asbestos test kits accurate?
The lab analysis is reliable if the laboratory is UKAS-accredited and the sample is representative of the material. The main risk of a wrong answer is sampling the wrong spot or a different layer, so follow the instructions carefully.
How much does an asbestos test cost in the UK?
Home test kits are typically advertised at around £25 to £80, depending on the number of samples and turnaround. Surveys cost more because a surveyor visits and samples several materials.
How long do asbestos test results take?
Many labs report within a few working days of receiving the sample; some offer faster paid options. Check the turnaround before you buy.
Can I test for asbestos in the air?
Air testing exists, but it is normally done by an analyst after asbestos work or in specific circumstances. For deciding whether a material contains asbestos, test the material itself.
Sources
This guide is written from the legislation and HSE guidance below. Last checked 23 October 2026.