Dexsil Surface Lead Test Swab Instructions
- July 22, 2024
- Dexsil
Table of Contents
Dexsil Surface Lead Test Swab
Specifications
- Product Name: Surface Lead Test Swab
- Test Type: Colorimetric Test for Lead in Paint and other Non-Porous Surfaces
- Components: Clear plastic tube with two ampules (powdered rhodizonate indicator and aqueous buffer solution)
- Usage: Wear gloves and safety glasses when performing the test
Product Usage Instructions
Prepare Surface to be Tested:
To ensure accurate results, remove all dust and dirt from the surface to be tested. Consider testing a similar surface without cleaning for a more inclusive test.
Prepare Test Swab:
Inspect the swab, consisting of a clear plastic tube with two ampules. Activate the swab by following the provided instructions to mix the reagents.
Activate Test Swab:
Crush the indicator ampule then the buffer ampule to activate the reagents. Shake the swab gently to mix the reagents before using it immediately.
Test Surface:
Rub the swab end on the surface for 30 seconds while ensuring it stays saturated with the liquid. Observe the swab and/or paint surface for a characteristic pink color indicating lead presence.
Notes:
Keep in mind that certain factors like paint pigments or lead solubility may affect the color development. Repeat the test or use another swab to confirm results if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How long should I rub the swab on the surface during testing?
- A: Rub the swab on the surface for 30 seconds while gently squeezing the tube to keep it saturated with the liquid.
- Q: What should I do if I suspect interference from paint pigments during testing?
- A: Repeat the test with another swab without breaking the indicator ampule to determine if the color is due to lead or paint pigment.
Surface Lead Test Swab
Colorimetric Test for Lead in Paint and Other Non-Porous Surfaces
- Read the entire directions before proceeding.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses when performing the test.
Prepare the Surface to be Tested
To eliminate external sources of contamination, remove all dust and dirt from the surface. (NOTE: In many cases, dust can be a source of lead contamination. For a more inclusive test, including dust, test a similar surface without prior cleaning.) Cut a ½ inch long notch through all of the paint layers until reaching the substrate. Try to cut the notch at a shallow angle to expose as much of the edge of the different paint layers as possible. This will allow the swab a better chance of detecting lead in the layers below the top layer of paint.
Prepare Test Swab:
The swab consists of a clear plastic tube containing two ampules, capped with a proprietary abrasive swab. The ampule closest to the swab contains a powdered rhodizonate indicator while the other ampule contains an aqueous buffer solution. They are shipped inverted in a paper sleeve to protect the swab end.
Activate Test Swab
Remove the clear plastic tube and inspect ampules for damage. Note the relative location of the ampules. Flip the plastic tube end-for-end and reinsert it into the paper tube with the swab end showing. Activate the reagents by first crushing the indicator ampule near the swab end then the buffer ampule. Try to squeeze the center of the ampule for the easiest crushing. Lightly shake the test swab to mix the reagents making sure the swab end is pointed up. With tip facing down, gently squeeze the sides of the tube near the middle until amber liquid comes to tip; use the activated swab immediately.
Test Surface
Rub the swab end on the notched area for 30 seconds while gently squeezing the tube. Squeeze tube hard enough to keep the surface saturated with amber liquid, but not so hard that an area larger then the notch is covered with the liquid. Observe swab and/or paint surface for characteristic color. If lead is present, a characteristic pink color will appear.
Notes:
Some forms of lead are less soluble than others; this may delay the development of pink color by hours. Multiple layers of non-leaded oil-based paint may also hamper the development of color. To help counter these factors, swab the test surface for a further 30 seconds and observe the color right away and after a few hours. Paint or substrate pigments may also cause a coloring of the swab. Repeat the test with another swab to check if color of the swab is due to lead or paint pigment by performing test without breaking the indicator ampule. In this manner, it can be determined if the buffer is causing the color to be leached out of paint or substrate.
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