Professional asbestos testing & sampling in the North West

MARS Consultants delivers trusted asbestos sampling and testing for homeowners, landlords, contractors, and businesses across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire. Fast, accurate identification via UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis before any renovation or maintenance begins.

What is asbestos testing?

Asbestos testing involves taking a representative sample from a material suspected of containing asbestos and submitting it for laboratory analysis. Asbestos can be present in a wide range of building materials, particularly in properties constructed or refurbished before 2000.

Visual inspection alone cannot reliably confirm whether a material contains asbestos. Where appropriate, a physical sample is safely taken and analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory. This testing establishes whether asbestos fibres are present and accurately identifies the specific fibre type, allowing you to manage the risk effectively and safely.

What is asbestos sampling?

Asbestos sampling involves carefully collecting a representative sample from a suspected asbestos-containing material. Sampling must always be undertaken using strict procedures and safety precautions to minimise the potential for hazardous fibre release.

Depending on the material and property circumstances, samples may be taken from:

  • Floor tiles and floor tile adhesive
  • Artex and textured decorative coatings
  • Cement products and roofing materials
  • Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
  • Gaskets, pipe insulation, and ceiling materials
  • Wall and partition materials
  • Boiler and heating components or other suspect materials

Once taken, the sample is securely packaged and submitted for UKAS accredited laboratory analysis to determine whether asbestos fibres are present.

When might you need asbestos testing?

Asbestos testing may be useful when:

  • You have found a material you suspect may contain asbestos
  • You are planning renovation or maintenance work
  • You are removing flooring or altering walls and ceilings
  • You have discovered an unknown building material
  • You are unsure whether a textured coating contains asbestos
  • You need to establish the exact composition of a suspect material
  • Existing asbestos information is incomplete or outdated
  • Additional information is needed before work begins

If you are unsure whether sampling alone is appropriate, contact MARS Consultants. Depending on your property and project scope, a comprehensive asbestos survey may be more suitable to keep your environment safe and compliant.

Asbestos sampling before building work

If you are planning building, renovation, or general maintenance work, identifying suspect materials before work begins helps prevent unexpected asbestos discoveries and costly project delays.

Targeted sampling is vital if you intend to:

  • Remove floor tiles or sand and strip flooring
  • Remove textured coatings or Artex
  • Drill into walls or ceilings
  • Remove partition walls or alter structural elements
  • Alter electrical installations, plumbing, or heating systems
  • Remove roofing materials and undertake larger renovations

Where asbestos may be present, the appropriate survey or sampling strategy must always be established before any physical work starts on site.

For larger, intrusive, or structural projects, standalone asbestos sampling alone may not provide sufficient detail. A targeted refurbishment or demolition survey is often required to assess all concealed materials within the project scope and ensure your legal compliance under the Control of Asbestos Regulations.

Our asbestos sampling process

We follow a strict, professional procedure to ensure accurate identification and safe management of suspect materials:

  1. Discuss the material: We establish what material you are concerned about, where it is located, and why you need it tested.
  2. Assess the sampling requirements: We determine whether targeted sampling is appropriate or whether a wider asbestos survey may be required.
  3. Safely collect the sample: Where appropriate, a representative sample is carefully collected from the suspect material using controlled techniques to prevent fibre release.
  4. Package the sample: The sample is securely double-bagged, labelled, and prepared for laboratory analysis.
  5. UKAS laboratory analysis: Samples are submitted to an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory for definitive analysis.
  6. Receive the results: The certificate of analysis is provided promptly and can be incorporated into the relevant survey or sampling documentation.
  7. Understand the findings: If asbestos is identified, our team will explain what the result means and advise on appropriate next steps or further surveying based on your proposed work.

UKAS laboratory asbestos analysis

Where laboratory analysis is required, MARS Consultants works exclusively with independent, UKAS-accredited laboratories for thorough asbestos sample testing. The laboratory meticulously examines submitted materials using polarised light microscopy to establish whether asbestos fibres are present and to determine the exact fibre type.

Understanding the distinction of roles ensures complete quality control: MARS Consultants carries out professional on-site surveying, risk assessments, and controlled sample collection, whilst the independent UKAS-accredited laboratory performs the definitive scientific analysis and issues official analytical certification.

Asbestos testing & sampling across the North West

MARS Consultants provides professional asbestos testing and sampling services throughout the North West, including: 

Leigh | Wigan | Warrington | Manchester | Bolton | Preston | Liverpool | St Helens | Salford | Stockport | Chorley | Lancashire | Greater Manchester | Merseyside | Cheshire

We can discuss your specific requirements to determine whether individual targeted sampling or a wider, comprehensive asbestos survey is appropriate for your property. If your premises are located outside these core areas, please contact our team to discuss your project needs.

Frequently asked questions

Find clear answers to common questions regarding our asbestos testing, sampling procedures, and laboratory analysis services.

How much does asbestos testing cost?

The cost depends on the number of samples required, the type of material, and the laboratory analysis required. Contact MARS Consultants for a bespoke quotation based on your specific requirements.

How long does asbestos testing take?

The turnaround time depends on the laboratory service selected and the number of samples being analysed. We will discuss the expected timescale with you when arranging your sampling.

Can you test Artex for asbestos?

Yes. Textured decorative coatings such as Artex can be safely sampled and submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for asbestos analysis where appropriate.

Can you test floor tiles for asbestos?

Yes. Floor tiles and associated materials, such as bitumen adhesive backing, can be sampled where appropriate and submitted for professional laboratory analysis.

Can you test asbestos in a domestic property?

Yes. We provide asbestos sampling and testing services for domestic residential properties where appropriate across the North West.

Do I need a survey or just asbestos sampling?

It depends on what you are planning to do. If you have one specific suspect material, targeted sampling may be appropriate. If you are planning refurbishment, demolition, or broader maintenance work that could disturb multiple materials, a wider asbestos survey may be necessary.

Can I take an asbestos sample myself?

It is generally much safer to have suspect materials assessed and sampled by someone competent to undertake asbestos sampling. Disturbing a suspect material unnecessarily can potentially release hazardous asbestos fibres into the air.

What happens if my sample comes back positive?

If asbestos is identified, the appropriate action depends on the material type, its condition, location, and what you intend to do with the property. We will explain the result and discuss whether further surveying, ongoing management, or specialist remediation is required.

Does a positive asbestos test mean asbestos has to be removed?

Not necessarily. The appropriate action depends on your circumstances, including the condition, location, and intended use of the material, as well as any planned construction work. Materials in good condition can often be managed in place safely.

Need asbestos testing or sampling?

Not sure whether a material contains asbestos? Before disturbing any suspect material, contact MARS Consultants to discuss your requirements. We can help determine whether individual sampling is appropriate or whether a wider asbestos survey would provide the information you need to keep your property safe and compliant.