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Asbestos testing UK laboratory technician analysing a sample under a microscope

Asbestos Testing UK

Available at our Essex and Manchester laboratories
Book your samples in for testing

Book Your Asbestos Testing

asbestos sample analysis under microscope in UK testing laboratory

AEC provides fast, reliable asbestos testing UK services for samples dropped off in person or sent by post. Our UKAS-accredited laboratories in Essex and Manchester carry out accurate asbestos sample analysis using approved processes and advanced equipment.

Whether you need an asbestos check, asbestos identification, or professional asbestos detection, our service delivers clear results you can trust.

We offer:

  • 24 hour sample drop-off
  • postal asbestos testing service
  • same-day results for urgent cases
  • clear, easy-to-understand reports

Our process is simple:

  1. Safely collect a small sample of the suspect material
  2. Double bag the sample in clear sealable bags and label it
  3. Choose your service level and book online
  4. Post your sample or drop it off at our lab

AEC provides a trusted and efficient asbestos testing service designed for both domestic and commercial needs.

  • UKAS accredited to EN ISO 17025 UKAS accreditation
  • Laboratories in Manchester and Essex
  • Fast turnaround times, including same-day testing
  • Accurate asbestos sample analysis
  • Clear reporting for compliance and safety

If you are carrying out an asbestos survey, renovation or asbestos risk assessment, fast and reliable testing is essential to make informed decisions.

We analyse a wide range of materials as part of our asbestos service, including:

  • insulation materials
  • cement products
  • boards and panels
  • textured coatings

If you are unsure whether your material is suitable,

Contact our team before sending your sample 👉 Contact AEC

For official guidance on where asbestos may be found, see 👉 HSE asbestos guidance

Water Absorption Test

For cement or board-type materials, we provide water absorption testing to determine whether a material is licensed or non-licensed.

This supports asbestos evaluation, asbestos inspection, and compliance decisions.

Turnaround options:

  • 48 hours
  • 5 to 7 days

Minimum sample size required: 10cm x 10cm

We provide flexible turnaround options depending on urgency:

  • same-day asbestos testing
  • 24-hour results
  • standard turnaround options

Our goal is to deliver accurate asbestos detection results quickly so you can proceed with confidence.

Post or drop off your samples at one of our UKAS-accredited laboratories for fast and reliable results.

If your sample involves sand products, please use our dedicated service:

This includes testing for:

  • play sand
  • coloured craft sand
  • kinetic sand

FAQ

You can drop off your samples at either of our UK laboratories in Essex or Manchester.

Please view our location map and contact details for directions and further information.

The cost of asbestos testing UK services depends on the turnaround time and type of analysis required.

We offer a range of service options to suit different needs. To view pricing and choose your service level, please use our booking form.

👉 Book your asbestos testing service

Asbestos testing is used to analyse specific materials and confirm whether asbestos is present.

An asbestos survey is a broader inspection of a property to identify potential asbestos-containing materials.

If you are unsure which service you need, contact our team and we will guide you based on your situation.

For accurate asbestos testing, you only need a small thumbnail-sized sample of the suspected material. Place the sample into a clear sealable bag, then place that bag inside a second outer bag.

Label the outer bag with the exact location the sample was taken from, for example bathroom floor or the lounge ceiling. This helps ensure your asbestos sample analysis is correctly reported.

Sealed sand samples in clear bags prepared for asbestos testing in a UK laboratory

Yes. We offer a UK-wide asbestos testing service, and you can post your sample to your nearest AEC laboratory in Essex or Manchester.

Please complete the booking form or call us on 0161 872 7111 to notify us before sending your sample.

To prepare your sample:

  • double-bag it securely
  • Label it clearly with the sample location
  • place it in a mailing envelope

Send it to:

Manchester Laboratory
AEC, 23 Wheel Forge Way, Ashburton Point, Trafford Park, Greater Manchester M17 1EH

Essex Laboratory
AEC, Fernwood House, The Hillway, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0UE

We offer flexible turnaround times depending on your needs.

Options include:

  • same-day asbestos testing (for urgent cases)
  • 24-hour results
  • standard turnaround services

Your chosen service level will determine how quickly your asbestos sample results are delivered.

Our asbestos testing laboratories are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, for sample drop-off and enquiries.

Yes. Both our Essex and Manchester laboratories have a secure drop-off box located at the entrance, allowing you to leave samples out of hours.

Samples are collected at 8:30 am each working day and processed according to your selected asbestos testing service level. Please ensure payment is completed in advance, as we cannot process samples without it.

You can drop off your samples at either of our UK laboratories in Essex or Manchester.

Please view our location map and contact details for directions and further information.

 

 

Yes. We provide water absorption testing to determine whether a material is licensed or non-licensed, which supports asbestos assessment and compliance decisions.

  • Minimum sample size: 10cm x 10cm
  • Turnaround times: 48 hours or 5 to 7 days

To proceed, please book your sample into our laboratory.

* AEC is UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys, air testing and bulk sample analysis only.

UKAS inspection logo with crown
UKAS testing logo with crown

Book your bulk samples in for asbestos testing today

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