Created in early 2020, NATA accredited in 2021...
Check the scope of our accreditation
…COHLABS-TEM is a join-venture between 3 different companies that decided to collaborate their skills to bring Transmission Electron Microscopy to Australia for the purpose of improving scientific rigour to the asbestos industry.
We gathered international skills in electron microscopy to Asia Pacific thanks to more than 55 years of combined experience using this technology in the most strict asbestos regulated countries.
Brisbane based NATA accredited laboratory with more than 60 years combined expertise in the industry.
Surveying and asbestos-removal product experts with vast experience in asbestos management services.
International accredited laboratory with more than 26 years of analytical experience in Electron Microscopy analysis.
Transmission
electron
microscopy
Electron microscopy is a powerful tool for the investigation of materials using a very high magnification (X10,000) and high-resolution (0,1nm). The materials are analysed to their elemental composition the results are then compared to already known reference materials. This enables the lab analyst to achieve accurate and precise identification of samples to determine if they are, in-fact asbestos. TEM also features the ability to identify non-commercial asbestos types such as tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite which cannot be identified by Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM).
OUR SERVICES
Cohlabs TEM offers fast turnaround time for bulk samples and air filters analysis. We are also answering to specific requests to sample suspect Naturally Occurring Asbestos, Asbestos in soil or Wipes / Swab samples.
Our methodology is based on world class industry leading practises utilised in Europe & the USA.
For further information or any inquiry regarding pricing, please contact us.
AVOID FALSE
NEGATIVE
TEM in able to detect very fine fibres that cannot be observed using PLM.
TEM can identify the non-commercial asbestos minerals such as tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite which cannot be identified by PLM due to the wide range of optical properties these minerals exhibit.
Declaring there is no asbestos where there is – this is the worst-case while trying to managing asbestos in-situ. This can be avoided by utilising TEM.
Common asbestos containing materials not observable under PLM include; Vinyl tiles, sealants, mastics & epoxy resins.
AVOID FALSE
POSITIVE
Working in environments that contain multiple organic fibres present? TEM can be used to confirm mineral fibres as being non-asbestos allowing the avoidance of unnecessary costs of specialist asbestos remediation where it is not necessary.
TEM distinguishes asbestos fibres from all other fibres to get the right result.
KNOW THE REAL EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS
Fibres released from ACMs are released in different sizes. Many of these asbestos fibres are thinner than 0.2 μm and therefore are not observable using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM).
By using TEM for your sample analysis you can avoid under-estimations in exposure:
TEM detects asbestos from .01μm.
In many cases, you’re exposed to Thin Asbestos fibres that you cannot detect with the PCM.
3 CRITERIA
Comprehensive identification of a fibre
ARTICLES
Wipes / Swabs sample can be analysed via TEM using the ASTM6480 method. This method allows the analyst to deliver a quantitative result for a bulk sample. The preparation is about putting the whole sample into an ultrasonic bath filled…
Talcum powder: the reason why children’s crayons can be contaminated with asbestos fibres.Crayons manufacturers often use talc as a binder in the wax. Unfortunately, the talc can be contaminated with asbestos fibres as asbestos and talc can be found near…
Have you ever wondered what Soot looks like when magnified x 300,000? As detailed in ASTM D6602, TEM analysis when combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) can be used to confirm the presence of Soot on surfaces before or after…
Critical fibre dimensions for asbestos induced diseases: "The critical fibre dimensions for #mesothelioma are a diameter <0.1 µm and a length of 5-10 µm. The thinner asbestos fibres can reach deep inside the alveoli due to their aerodynamic characteristics and…
Asbestos containing mastic identified to the window surround in a 1990’s Government Building.This mastic was found to contain a large number of Chrysotile Asbestos fibres when analysed using TEM at 11,000 x magnification. EDS analysis and electron diffraction to determine…
CONTACT US
COHLABS-TEM
Suite 2, 92 Cleveland Street, Greenslopes, QLD 4120
P +61 (0)7 3015 7555
M +61 (0)4 1268 0292