Analysis Dictionary

Analysis Dictionary

Here is a helpful guide explaining what types of analyses your project might need. For technical questions and/or pricing please contact us.

Phase Contrast Microscopy

PCM is used for quick determination of fiber concentrations. Mixed cellulose ester air filters submitted for PCM analysis are prepared according to the NIOSH 7400 method and analyzed using NIOSH 7400 A rules.

Polarized Light Microscopy

A subsample of the bulk material is viewed in the stereomicroscope and prepared for analysis, further identification and confirmation by observing the optical properties.

RCRA (8) Metals

The RCRA(Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) list of metals include: Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Selenium & Silver.

Scanning Electron Microscopy

SEM coupled with an EDX system, rapidly determines fiber morphologies and elemental composition. SEM is an excellent technique for acquiring additional information on fiber identification for air samples previously analyzed by light microscopy.

A subsample is examined to determine the presence/absence of asbestos fibers. The identification of asbestos is accomplished by the combination of fiber morphology and x-ray analysis.

TAL List Metals

TAL(Target Analyte List) Metals include: Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Thallium, Vanadium & Zinc.

Transmission Electron Microscopy

TEM provides detailed information on fiber morphology with elemental composition determined using an energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) system. Further confirmation is achieved by selected area electron diffraction identification.

Quantitative

Bulk samples are prepared and analyzed so that the mass of each asbestos type present is calculated and reported in a weight percent.

Semi-quantitative

Bulk samples are prepared and analyzed so that the asbestos type present is calculated and reported in a semi quantitative weight percent.

Presence/Absence

A bulk sample is prepared and examined and any asbestos structures are identified.