LCS Laboratory offers an analysis of wipe samples for metals, silica, asbestos, soot and other chemicals. This method is best suited for the collection of dust from non-porous materials. Usually, the sample is collected from an area of 100 cm2 (10cmx10cm). Although, a larger or smaller area can be used as long as the size of the area is recorded. Results are often reported in units of weight per 100 cm2 .
To collect a sample, you will need: wipes, template, gloves and a shipping container or a bag.
Select area that needs to be tested. Put on the gloves and take a fresh wipe from a pouch.
Position the template on the surface and start wiping:
When you collect the dust sample, it is important that you cover the entire area. For better efficiency, follow a zigzag pattern from left to right and then continue sampling in a perpendicular direction.
The dust is collected on the wipe tissue. 
If necessary, fold the wipe an continue sampling using the fresh side of the tissue.
Once the sampling is complete, place the sample into a ziplock bag and write down the sample ID:
Complete a request form and ship the samples to our lab for testing.
To learn about other sampling techniques please visit our “Sampling Manuals” page. To explore the list of the tests for surface analysis, please visit surface testing page .
at 4:35 pm
Good afternoon.
I am inquiring on your services in particular for surface sampling of lead contaminate.
We are a manufacturing facility in Ottawa, Ontario and we are in the process of eliminating lead from our processes. Until we have all our uses covered we would like to conduct some precautionary surface sampling and testing for the presence of lead.
I would like to understand if we can get some assistance with this and if this is something that can we work in partnership with you when the need arises.
We are familiar with your surface wiping procedure as described on your page. My question is, if we can collect surface samples, can they be forward to you for testing and analysis? If this is a possibility, then we would like to get information on your requirements and the possible costs associated with this service.
Thank you
Karen Desjardins
at 10:08 am
Hello Karen, I replied you via personal email