Frequently Asked Questions

Methamphetamine residue on surfaces in a property or vehicle. It is usually left by smoking, and sometimes by handling the drug or by manufacture. Residue can stay on surfaces and in soft furnishings after the people involved have left. Laboratory testing is how residue is measured.

When methamphetamine is smoked, the vapour settles on surfaces around the room, including walls, benchtops and fabrics. Manufacture can also leave other chemicals behind. Where residue ends up depends on how air moved through the property, so results vary from room to room.

No concentration on its own shows that a property or vehicle was used for manufacture. An opinion on manufacture rests on manufacture-specific markers and site evidence, assessed together, and the report states its limits.

The report describes what the evidence shows and does not show, rather than labelling a property from a single number.

0.5 µg/100 cm² is the residential indoor-surface investigation level for methamphetamine in the Australian Government’s Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines (2011). A result above it triggers further investigation or remediation. It is not a line between safe and unsafe, and it applies whether residue came from use or manufacture.

There is no Australian Standard for meth testing.

It is the residential indoor-surface investigation level set in the Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines (2011), published by the Australian Government. States apply the guidelines through their own public-health laws, usually with local councils as the enforcing body. Our city pages explain the rules in each state.

Sometimes, but smell is not a reliable indicator. Odours fade, other substances smell similar, and many properties with residue have no noticeable smell. Laboratory testing is how residue is measured. Methamphetamine residue is usually left by smoking, and it can stay on surfaces and in soft furnishings after the people involved have left.

Methamphetamine can persist on surfaces for a long time, particularly on porous materials and in places that are not cleaned. Ordinary cleaning may move residue around without removing it. Residue can stay on surfaces and in soft furnishings after the people involved have left. Testing tells you what is there now.

The national guidelines set the 0.5 µg/100 cm² investigation level for homes, and results above it trigger further investigation or remediation. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor. We test the property. We do not give medical advice.

Young children spend time on floors and put their hands in their mouths, which is one reason the guidelines set an investigation level for homes. If you are unsure, testing before moving in with children or pets gives you evidence. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor. We test the property. We do not give medical advice.

Surface wipe samples are collected to NIOSH Method 9111 and analysed at an independent NATA-accredited laboratory. Test Australia designs the sampling plan for the question being asked. Each sample is sealed, labelled and recorded under chain of custody. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

NIOSH Method 9111 is a US surface-wipe method for methamphetamine that specifies the wipe technique, the template area and blank and quality-control samples, with a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry finish. Using a published method means another tester can follow the same steps.

It depends on the size of the property and the question being asked. Where samples are taken matters as much as how many. The report lists every sample location so that anyone reading it can see how the property was characterised.

Surfaces are chosen so the results represent the property as a whole and answer the question being asked. The report lists every sample location and explains how the results are interpreted. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every assessment is scoped to the question being asked.

Sampling time depends on the size of the property and the question being asked. Reports are available within 5 business days of the laboratory results being received. Urgent attendance is by arrangement. Every assessment is scoped to the question being asked. Request a fee proposal and we will reply with the scope, fee and available dates.

Samples are analysed by an independent NATA-accredited laboratory, by LC-MS/MS following NIOSH Method 9111. Each laboratory certificate in the report names the laboratory and any accreditation that applies. Test Australia itself is not NATA-accredited. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed.

A DIY meth kit is a presumptive lateral-flow screen. It indicates whether methamphetamine may be present above the kit’s cut-off of 0.5 µg/100 cm², but it is not laboratory analysis and gives no concentration. Follow a positive or uncertain screen with laboratory testing, which measures the amount in each sample. A field assessment documents chain of custody.

NATA (the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia) accredits laboratories against ISO/IEC 17025 for specific tests. NATA accreditation shows the laboratory has been assessed as competent for the specific test. Whether a court, tribunal or insurer relies on a report is a decision for them. Read more on our laboratories and NATA page.

Start with each result in µg/100 cm² and its criterion, then read the limitations. A Test Australia report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations. The laboratory certificate is included so the results can be checked. If a report from any tester leaves these out, ask for them.

Micrograms per 100 square centimetres. A microgram is one millionth of a gram, and 100 cm² is a 10 cm by 10 cm square, the usual template size for a surface wipe. 0.5 µg/100 cm² is the residential indoor-surface investigation level for methamphetamine in the Australian Government’s Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines (2011).

It means the result is above the investigation level, which triggers further investigation or remediation. It is not a line between safe and unsafe. Look at where the sample was taken, what the other samples showed and the stated measurement uncertainty. A single result from a location that tends to collect residue may not represent the whole property.

A detected result means the laboratory found methamphetamine above its detection limit. A result above 0.5 µg/100 cm² is above the investigation level. A property can have detected results that are all below the investigation level. Ask for the actual concentrations, not just “positive” or “negative”.

How each room was used, air movement, the type of surface and the cleaning history all affect results. The pattern across the property is part of the evidence the report considers. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

No concentration on its own shows that a property or vehicle was used for manufacture. An opinion on manufacture rests on manufacture-specific markers and site evidence, assessed together, and the report states its limits. The report describes what the evidence shows and does not show, rather than labelling a property from a single number.

The cost of meth testing depends on the property and the question being asked, so every assessment is scoped first. Request a fee proposal and we will reply with the scope, fee and available dates.

See our shop for DIY screening kit prices.

The report states the results against the named criterion and the verification sampling that would be needed after decontamination. Decisions about cleaning, replacement and cost are for the remediator, insurer and owner.

Test Australia does not clean or remediate, and does not recommend cleaning companies.

Disclosure rules differ by state and between sales and tenancies. In New South Wales, a landlord or agent must not knowingly hide from a prospective tenant that the property was used to manufacture or cultivate a prohibited drug or plant in the last two years. Our city pages set out the verified rules for each state. This is general information, not legal advice.

Cover depends on your policy and your insurer. If a property is the subject of an insurance claim, any party to the claim can commission the assessment, and the report is the same whoever commissions it. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed.

Yes. A second assessment can be compared with the first on method, sampling locations, laboratory certificates and chain of custody. It helps if you have the first report and its laboratory certificates. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

Testing before you commit gives you evidence about methamphetamine residue in the property. Ask the seller or agent for access, and allow time for laboratory analysis before the cooling-off period or settlement date. Laboratory analysis measures how much methamphetamine is present in each sample, and the report lists every sample location.

Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. DIY screening kits ship Australia-wide. See meth testing for the method and links to each city. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time.

Mould needs moisture. Common sources are roof and plumbing leaks, flooding, condensation from poor ventilation, high indoor humidity and building defects. Cleaning mould without fixing the moisture source usually means it comes back. An inspection shows how far mould extends and where the moisture is coming from.

Mould can start growing within days on wet materials, so drying a property quickly after water damage matters. An inspection records where moisture remains, using moisture meters and thermal imaging. Cleaning mould without fixing the moisture source usually means it comes back.

Mildew is a term usually used for flat, surface growth, for example on bathroom tiles. Mould can grow into materials and comes in many colours. Laboratory analysis identifies which types are present. Colour alone does not identify a mould, and many common moulds are dark.

Colour alone does not identify a mould, and many common moulds are dark. Laboratory analysis identifies the mould types present, and the report explains what was found and its limits. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor. We test the property. We do not give medical advice.

Some people are more sensitive to mould than others. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor. We test the property. We do not give medical advice. An inspection can show whether there is mould growth and moisture in the property.

Visible growth, staining, a musty smell or a history of leaks, flooding or condensation are the usual signs of a mould problem. Regular condensation on windows or cold surfaces is another sign. An inspection shows how far mould extends and where the moisture is coming from.

Rules differ by state. Victoria's rental minimum standard says “All rooms must be free from mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure”. Queensland's minimum housing standards include “free from vermin, damp and mould”, unless tenant-caused. South Australia's standards include “reasonably free from mould or other irritants”. This is general information, not legal advice.

A mould inspection combines a visual inspection, moisture mapping and, where it helps answer the question, air and surface sampling. Moisture meters and thermal imaging show where water remains. Samples are analysed by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Test Australia designs the sampling plan for the question being asked.

Air sampling measures airborne spores and compares indoor with outdoor air. Surface sampling identifies what is growing on a particular surface. Each answers a different question, so the inspection uses the one that fits. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test.

It depends on the question. Air sampling normally includes an outdoor sample for comparison with indoor samples. Surface samples are taken from distinct areas of growth. Air and surface sampling answer different questions, so the inspection uses the one that fits. Test Australia designs the sampling plan for the question being asked.

Mould samples are analysed by a NATA-accredited laboratory, and the laboratory is named in your report. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed. Test Australia itself is not NATA-accredited. Air sampling normally includes an outdoor sample for comparison with indoor samples.

A thermal camera shows surface temperature differences. Wet areas often appear cooler, which helps find leaks and damp areas without opening walls. It does not detect mould directly. It shows the moisture conditions that let mould grow. In a mould inspection, moisture meters and thermal imaging together show where water remains.

Our mould air test kit uses settle plates that you place in a room and post to the laboratory for analysis. It is a screen, not a full inspection: it does not measure how much mould is in the air or find the moisture source.

Read which mould types were found, where moisture was found and how the results compare with the criteria named in the report. For air samples, indoor results are compared with outdoor air. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

Decisions about cleaning and remediation are for the owner and the remediator. Test Australia does not clean or remediate, and does not recommend cleaning companies. Whatever is done, fix the moisture source first. Cleaning mould without fixing the moisture source usually means it comes back.

Verification sampling after remediation reports whether results are below the criteria named in the report. It should be done by someone independent of the remediator. Test Australia does not clean or remediate, and does not recommend cleaning companies. Mould usually returns if the moisture source is not fixed.

Mould usually returns if the moisture source is not fixed. If it comes back, look for the original leak, condensation or humidity problem. Verification sampling after remediation reports whether results are below the criteria named in the report. It should be done by someone independent of the remediator.

Control moisture, because mould needs it to grow. Fix leaks promptly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and reduce condensation with ventilation and heating. Dry wet areas quickly and keep gutters and drainage working. Cleaning mould without fixing the moisture source usually means it comes back.

It is worth considering if the property has a history of leaks or flooding, you notice a musty smell, or there is water staining. Testing gives you evidence about mould before you commit to the purchase. An inspection shows how far mould extends and where the moisture is coming from.

The cost of mould testing depends on the property and what you need answered. Every assessment is scoped to the question being asked. Request a fee proposal and we will reply with the scope, fee and available dates. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au.

Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. DIY screening kits ship Australia-wide. See mould inspection for links to each city. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time.

After a sewage overflow, flood, hoarding or decomposition event, or where blood or other bodily fluids are involved. Testing shows where contamination remains and, after cleaning, whether it has been reduced against the criteria named in the report. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed.

Indicator organisms such as E. coli, total and faecal coliforms and enterococci. Other organisms can be added where the question requires it, and the analysis is agreed when the job is scoped. Samples are analysed by an independent laboratory. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test.

No. Bacteria are microscopic, so a surface can look clean and still carry them. Sampling is how contamination is measured. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

By surface swabs or contact plates from affected and nearby surfaces, with chain-of-custody records. Samples are analysed by an independent laboratory. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed.

Mapping how far the water spread, surface sampling for indicator organisms, and moisture mapping to see where water has soaked in. The report states the results against the named criterion and the verification sampling that would be needed after decontamination. Decisions about cleaning, replacement and cost are for the remediator, insurer and owner.

Verification sampling after cleaning reports whether results are below the criteria named in the report. Decisions about further cleaning and reoccupation are for the owner, remediator and insurer. Test Australia does not clean or remediate, and does not recommend cleaning companies. Every report is signed.

Cover depends on your policy and your insurer. If a property is the subject of an insurance claim, any party to the claim can commission the assessment, and the report is the same whoever commissions it. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed.

Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. DIY screening kits ship Australia-wide. Urgent attendance by arrangement. See bacteria testing for links to each city. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au.

Soot and char, ash, PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), metals such as lead from older paint, and other combustion residues. What is present depends on what burned. Sampling in unburnt rooms shows how far residue has spread. The report names the criterion each result is compared against and why.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of compounds formed when organic material burns incompletely. They are found in soot and smoke residue and can persist on surfaces. After a house fire they can be present alongside soot, char and ash, and what is present depends on what burned.

Yes. Smoke and soot travel on air currents and through ducted air-conditioning, and can settle on surfaces that look undamaged. Sampling in unburnt rooms shows how far residue has spread. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

Smoke from bushfires can get into buildings through gaps and ventilation systems and leave residue on surfaces and soft furnishings. Testing can show whether residue is present and where. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

Testing is scoped to what burned, the age of the building and the question being asked. It can include surface wipes for PAH and metals, bulk samples of affected materials and visual documentation of smoke spread. Samples are analysed by an independent laboratory. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test.

As soon as the property is safe to enter and access is allowed. Testing before cleaning records the original condition, and verification sampling after cleaning reports whether results are below the criteria named in the report. Decisions about cleaning, replacement and cost are for the remediator, insurer and owner.

The report names the criterion each result is compared against and why. The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations.

Cover depends on your policy and insurer. Any party to an insurance claim can commission the assessment, and the report is the same whoever commissions it. Our reports set out the method, chain of custody, results, uncertainty and limitations so any party can test them. Whether a court, tribunal or insurer relies on a report is their decision.

The report states the results against the named criterion and the verification sampling that would be needed after decontamination. Decisions about cleaning, replacement and cost are for the remediator, insurer and owner. Test Australia does not clean or remediate, and does not recommend cleaning companies. Testing before cleaning records the original condition.

Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. DIY screening kits ship Australia-wide. See fire damage testing for links to each city. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time.

Check the tester’s qualifications, the laboratory’s accreditation for the specific test, and whether the tester or a related business takes cleaning or referral income. Ask how the sampling plan is designed and what the report will include. A provider should be able to supply this information on request.

WA Health recommends that the company testing a property is different from the company remediating it. Test Australia tests and gives a signed opinion. We do not clean, remediate, manage claims, or receive income from cleaning, remediation or referral arrangements. The evidence is the same whoever engages us — owner, buyer, tenant, landlord, insurer, loss adjuster or remediator.

MRACI means Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). CChem means Chartered Chemist. Dan Neil is a Chartered Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (MRACI CChem), listed on the RACI public register. Chartered Chemist status reflects years of education, examination and peer review.

Chartered Chemist status can be checked on the RACI public register. Laboratory accreditation can be checked on the NATA website (nata.com.au), including whether the specific test is on the laboratory’s scope. Company details can be checked on the Australian Business Register.

A contamination report should set out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations. It should name the assessor and their qualifications and include laboratory certificates. Our reports are prepared so they can be relied on in a tribunal, court or insurance claim. Whether it is relied on is a decision for that body.

There is no Australian Standard for meth testing, but published guidelines and methods apply. The Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines (2011) set the 0.5 µg/100 cm² residential investigation level for methamphetamine. NIOSH 9111 is a US surface-wipe method, and NATA accredits laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025. Remediation standards include IICRC S900 (drug residues) and IICRC S520 (mould).

Test Australia. Its suitably qualified occupational hygienists carry out assessments, led by Principal Occupational Hygienist and Chartered Chemist Dan Neil. He holds a DAppSc (Applied Chemistry) from the University of South Australia and is a Chartered Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. He has been a member of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists for more than 13 years.

Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. DIY screening kits ship Australia-wide. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time.

Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time. Urgent attendance is by arrangement. Every assessment is scoped to the question being asked. Request a fee proposal and we will reply with the scope, fee and available dates.

We are happy to explain the process, what an assessment involves and how to request a fee proposal. We do not give advice about a specific property without site information and laboratory data, because a guess can be wrong in either direction.

Yes, by arrangement. A paid consultation includes a written summary of the discussion. Contact us to arrange one. We do not give advice about a specific property without site information and laboratory data. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time.

Test Australia tests and gives a signed opinion. We do not clean, remediate, manage claims, or receive income from cleaning, remediation or referral arrangements. The evidence is the same whoever engages us — owner, buyer, tenant, landlord, insurer, loss adjuster or remediator.