Steve Moody Micro Services' state licensed asbestos laboratory is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP laboratory code #102056) for analysis of bulk and air samples for asbestos by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM.) We also participate in the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) programs for fiber counting by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) and bulk asbestos testing by PLM.
Laboratory accreditation and licensing information can be found on our Accreditations page.
For further information on asbestos topics see our Resource Links page.
SMMS utilizes current accepted methodologies as published by the EPA, NIOSH, OSHA or other appropriate recognized authority. Call for requirements not covered here.
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM):
Polarized Light Microscopy is an optical microscopic technique that enables the identification of minerals and materials including asbestos by determining the various optical properties of the particles being examined. Asbestos minerals can unequivocally be identified through the use of this type of microscopic analysis by a highly trained analyst.
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM):
Phase Contrast Microscopy is an optical microscopic technique that enhances the contrast of prepared air filter samples to enable the detection and counting of fibers. No differentiation is able to be made between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers.
Asbestos and Other Fibers by PCM
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM):
Transmission Electron Microscopy utilizes an electron emitter rather than visible light for its illumination source. This makes this instrument capable of viewing very small particles such as asbestos with very high clarity. Additionally, associated Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA) techniques can provide crystallographic and elemental information to positively identify the materials being examined.
TEM/SAED/EDXA is the tool of choice for analyzing air and water samples for asbestos, and in some cases dust, soil, and building materials as well.
Air sample final clearance testing following an abatement procedure in accordance with the AHERA rule.
AHERA, Final Rule EPA 40 CFR 763
Bulk Asbestos Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Asbestos "Wipe Sample” analysis: Standard Test Method for Wipe Sampling of Surfaces, Indirect Preparation, and Analysis for Asbestos Structure Number Concentration by Transmission Electron Microscopy:
Asbestos “Microvac” analysis: Standard Test Method for Microvacuum Sampling and Indirect Analysis of Dust by Transmission Electron Microscopy for Asbestos Structure Number Surface Loading:
Determination of Asbestos Structures over 10 micrometers in Length in Water:
EPA 100.2 - 600/R94/134