Detailed Assessment Test

Meth Testing

The New Zealand Standards Authority has implemented NZS8510 which governs how detailed assessment testing is to be completed.

So when would you require a Detailed Assessment Test?

This is our most in-depth testing and is used in two different scenarios.

  1. We have performed previous screening assessments which have highlighted that there are areas in the property which have contamination levels above 1.5ug/100cm2.
  2. In this scenario, where we have discovered any single sample area that is contaminated above NZS 8510 Recommendations, we must come back in and perform a detailed assessment of the entire property.
  3. You have very strong reasons to believe that the property is contaminated and as such you have made the decision to proceed directly to this level of testing.

What does the Detailed Assessment Test include?

  • All samples must be taken individually.
  • Every 10m2 (or part thereof) must be tested.
  • Every room must be tested.

Here’s How It Works

1. Booking

ATS uses a state of the art booking system, but we understand that sometimes you just want to talk to a human being. With this in mind, you have the option of either booking your test online, or giving our friendly team a call. If access to the property requires that an agent is contacted, then ATS will make contact and arrange an appropriate time for the testing to occur. Following this, you will receive a confirmation email directly from our booking system which tells you everything that you need to know. If anything changes throughout the process, you will be kept fully up to date.

2. Sample Collection

Our trained and highly professional sample technicians will come to your location, survey the property and conduct the sample collection. At this stage, key aspects of the final report are also collected. This includes creating a floor plan, internal and external pictures of the property and the sample locations, surface types and anything unusual found on site that may indicate that manufacture has taken place. It is important to note that irrespective of the type of test that is being conducted, each swab will only be used once. This not only avoids the risk of cross contamination of the property, but ensures that we have a complete chain of custody from the sample location to the laboratory.

3. Same Day Shipping of Samples

The samples, along with all the necessary chain of custody paper work is then shipped directly to our Hamilton based and industry leading laboratory partners. Our laboratory partners are fully IANZ accredited and the methodology that is used at the labs ensures that all NZS8510:2017 requirements are met.

4. Results

At ATS we understand that this can be a stressful time which is why we take every possible step to get the results back to you as quickly as possible. With this in mind ATS, guarantees a three business day turnaround on all testing done. We do of course also have a next day service available at a small extra charge for those situations where getting the results back quickly means everything. The report that you receive is fully compliant with NZS8510:2017 and includes a full review of results with recommendations, a floor plan depicting sample locations, pictures of the property and the samples taken and a copy of the laboratory results.

5. Meth Is Found - What Now?

Firstly, don’t panic. ATS will walk you through every step of the process. First we will lay out exactly what the process that you may face will look like. Remember that at this early stage, the next steps can be very different and depend on the level of contamination discovered. ATS will also speak to any third party that you need us to. This often means talking to insurance companies, solicitors, landlords (when we have been working with the property manager) and any other person that you would like us to discuss the results with. We see this aspect of educating the client with exactly what the process will look like as extremely important. In our experience, providing you with the knowledge that you need, will significantly reduce the stress of dealing with meth contamination.

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