Our Method

For laboratory wipe sampling, a 100 cm² sampling template is used on every sampled surface, following the laboratory’s sampling instructions. NIOSH Method 9111 is a laboratory method for measuring methamphetamine on surface wipe samples, widely used by Australian laboratories.

Fresh gloves are used for every individual swab to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Field blanks are used as a quality control check. Every sample is sealed, labelled and recorded on site at the moment of collection.

These procedures describe laboratory wipe samples. Rapid screening provides an initial indication, not a laboratory measurement.

Selection considers high-touch surfaces, ventilation and airflow points, and primary and secondary areas of the property. Site history and sampling coverage inform the plan. The reason for each sample location is recorded in the report.

Each sample is tracked from collection to the laboratory. The chain of custody form accompanies the samples, and signed chain of custody records are included in the report.

Laboratory wipe samples are analysed by a NATA-accredited partner laboratory under ISO/IEC 17025. SafeTrace does not own or operate the laboratory and does not produce or alter its analytical results. The laboratory’s original certificate is attached to every laboratory test report.

Partner laboratory accreditation can be checked on the NATA public register. Accreditation belongs to the laboratory, not SafeTrace or rapid screening.

Each laboratory sample location is photographed with the template in place. Photographs are cross-referenced to the results table so the location and its reported result can be matched.

The investigation level is set out in the Australian Government’s Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines (2011). Each laboratory sample result is clearly recorded as below, or at or above, 0.5 µg/100 cm². A result equal to 0.5 is included in the at-or-above category.

This is an investigation level, not a guarantee that an entire property or vehicle is safe. Results describe the sampled surfaces at the time of collection. The level comes from national residential remediation guidance; it is not a vehicle-specific standard. enHealth provides separate public health guidance.

SafeTrace re-samples after decontamination by an independent contractor and reports each laboratory result against the investigation level. SafeTrace does not issue clearance certificates or sign off remediation work. Formal verification and sign-off is carried out by an independent occupational hygienist engaged by the client.