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 .
