General Lab Questions

AccuStar has 2 radon labs. Which should I choose?

Here's a summary of the products and services provided by our two locations.

AccuStar Products & Services – Harrisburg, PA

  • Pico Can 275 Charcoal Canisters (2 3/4" open face)
  • To order call 800-523-4964
  • Licensed / certified in all states that require such, except for New York
  • Typical turnaround time is same business day for professional testers, if canister is received before Noon, Eastern time
  • All reports sent via email, also available online and by toll free 24-hour phone line
  • All AccuStar Labs locations will amend reports at no charge within 5 business days or for a $25 charge per report payable by credit card.

AccuStar Products & Services – Ward Hill, MA

  • Charcoal LS, Pico Can 400 Charcoal Canisters (4" open face or diffusion barrier)
  • Alpha Tracks, Radon in Water
  • Order on line or call 888-480-8812
  • Licensed / certified in all states that require such, nationwide.
  • Typical turnaround time for short-term canister tests is same business day for professional testers, if device is received before Noon, Eastern time
  • Typical turnaround time for short-term LS and water tests is next business day
  • All reports sent via email, also available online and by toll free 24-hour phone line
  • All AccuStar Labs locations will amend reports at no charge within 5 business days or for a $25 charge per report payable by credit card.

How fast can I get my test results?

AccuStar has 2 laboratory locations. Return your kit to the address shown on your data sheet to avoid delays and additional shipping costs.

Turnaround time depends upon daily laboratory capacity. If you have a large number of devices to return contact the Lab on your data sheet for an estimated report date.

AccuStar - Harrisburg, PA

  • Typical turnaround time is same business day for professional testers, if canister is received before Noon, Eastern time

AccuStar – Ward Hill, MA

  • Typical turnaround time is same business day for professional testers, if canister is received before Noon, Eastern time
  • Typical turnaround time for charcoal LS and water test kits is next business day

Please call the Lab shown on your data sheet if you have any questions regarding turnaround time.

What are AccuStar Labs business hours?

AccuStar Labs hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Can I drop off a sample at AccuStar Labs after hours?

Yes, you can. There’s a drop off box located next to the front door. Samples dropped off after hours or on the weekends are picked up the next business day. Results are available the following business day after 4:30PM.

Can I get a "rush" lab analysis of charcoal canisters, water samples or alpha tracks? What is the cost?

Expedited lab processing for your canister, or water sample or alpha track radon test is available, depending on laboratory capacity. Additional charges may apply. Please call the lab on your data sheet for more information.

What is your street address for overnight delivery (UPS, FEDEX or Express Mail) or for dropping off a test sample?

Our locations are:

AccuStar Labs
2 Saber Way
Ward Hill, MA 01835

AccuStar Labs
6951 Allentown Boulevard Unit N
Harrisburg, PA 17112

Please do not send samples for Saturday’s delivery because AccuStar Labs is closed.
If you are using Express mail from the US Post Office please send the sample to our street address and not to our PO Box. The Express mail service will personally deliver packages to the lab if addressed to our street address.

How long does it take for samples to arrive at the lab via first class mail?

Samples are usually received within 3 to 5 business days after being mailed. However, first class mail delivery is not guaranteed and if results are needed urgently we suggest using an overnight service such as UPS, FED EX or Express mail from the US Post Office. If you send your kit to our P.O. Box and it arrives after we have picked up our morning mail at 10:30AM, your kit will sit at the post office until the next business day.

How do I know if my test kit has been received?

Test Kits Sent to our Massachusetts Lab:
Have your device serial numbers handy.
To check and see if your test kit has been received at our Massachusetts Lab, you have the following choices:
  1. You may call our automated phone line with your device number(s) at 888-404-3144
  2. You may click here on our website: - Once at AccuStar Labs website you will need to enter your device number along with your test address zip code. You will be able to see if your test kit has been received if you originally provided a test address zip code on your datasheet. (Please note that we do not make changes to incorrect zip codes that are written on the data sheet.)
  3. Call Accustar Labs at 888-480-8812 and give us your device numbers.
Test Kits Sent to our Pennsylvania Lab:
Have your device serial numbers handy.

To check and see if your test kit has been received at our Pennsylvania Lab, you have the following choices:

  1. You may call our automated phone line with your device number(s) at 888-404-3144
  2. You may click here on our website: - Once at AccuStar Labs website you will need to enter your device number along with your test address zip code. You will be able to see if your test kit has been received if you originally provided a test address zip code on your datasheet. (Please note that we do not make changes to incorrect zip codes that are written on the data sheet.)
  3. Call AccuStar Labs at 800-523-4964 and give us your device numbers.

How soon does the sample need to get to the lab before it is invalid?

If you are using a Liquid Scintillation vial (48-96 hour) test it must be received in the lab within 8 days after the samples closing date.
If you are using a Charcoal Canister it must be received in the lab within 8 days after the samples closing date.
If you are using a Radon in Water test kit it must be received in the lab within 8 days after the samples closing date.
However, if you are taking a Radon water sample in the State of Connecticut it must be received in the lab within 4 days after the samples closing date.
If you are using an Alpha Track (91 - 365 days) the sample should get to the lab as soon as possible but it can still arrive eight days after the closing date and still receive a valid result. After 30 days the result will be accompanied by the disclaimer "Delay between end of testing period & return to the lab may increase reported radon concentration. Consider retesting." After 60 days the result will be invalid and the comment will be "Unable to report a result due to excessive delay in receipt of test device."

Do I need my serial or device numbers to get results?

Yes, you do. In order for AccuStar to maintain confidentiality to our customers we request that you keep a copy of your device numbers. If you contact the lab for test results without your device numbers you will be referred back to the company you purchased your kit from to obtain the device numbers.

I just received my report and it said the lab is missing information. What do I do next?

Any changes that need to be made to your report must be requested in writing via email, mail or fax. There are no exceptions to this requirement, so please do not telephone us to give test information over the phone. We will need your device numbers, your name and your phone number along with the missing or new test information so that we can complete lab analysis and send your amended report.

To email information to our Pennsylvania Lab, click here:
The fax number for our Pennsylvania Lab is 717-274-5662.

To email information to our Massachusetts Lab, click here:
The fax number for our Massachusetts Lab is 978-945-2432.

If you originally received an email notification from AccuStar Labs you can "Reply" back to that email and include the missing or new test information.

How long will it take to get an amended report after I send missing or new information?

All AccuStar Labs locations will amend reports at no charge within 5 business days or for a $25 charge per report payable by credit card.