Lead Testing Labs: EPA-Recognized Labs by State

If you want a lab to test paint chips, dust wipes or soil from your home, use a lab on EPA’s National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) list. Below is every lab on the current list, searchable by state, with a filter for labs that accept samples from the public.

In short: NLLAP is how EPA recognizes labs that analyze lead in paint, dust and soil. Federal rules require NLLAP-recognized labs for the dust and soil samples taken in official lead inspections, risk assessments and clearance tests, and many state programs require them too. For drinking water, you need a lab certified by your state instead; see how to test water for lead.

EPA-recognized lead labs by state

Pick your state or type a city. “Public samples” shows whether EPA’s list marks the lab as commercially available; labs marked “No” usually work only for their own organization, such as a health department. Many labs also accept samples by mail, so a lab in another state can still be a good choice. Call first and ask how they want samples collected and shipped, what each test costs, and how long results take.

Which sample to send

• Paint chips: a chip that includes every layer of paint down to the surface. A lab result gives the amount of lead in the paint, which a home swab cannot. See how to test for lead paint.
• Dust wipes: wipes taken from floors and window sills, the samples behind EPA’s dust-lead hazard standards. See lead dust testing.
• Soil: samples from play areas, gardens and the drip line around an older house. See lead in soil testing.

If you are buying, renting out or renovating an older home, a certified inspector or risk assessor will take the samples and send them to an NLLAP lab for you. You can find one on our Find a Lead Professional page.

How we keep this list current

EPA reissues the NLLAP list every month. We copy it as published, check it monthly, and show the edition and the date we checked it under the table. We do not rank labs, take payment to be on this list, or add details EPA leaves out. If a lab’s details look wrong, EPA’s list is the official record; you can also tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I send a sample to a lab myself?

Yes, if the lab accepts samples from the public. Ask the lab for its collection instructions first, because how you take a dust wipe or soil sample changes the result. For an official inspection or clearance, the sample must be taken by a certified professional.

Do these labs test drinking water?

NLLAP covers paint, dust and soil only. Some of these labs are also certified by their state for drinking water, but check with the lab. Your water utility or state drinking water program can name certified labs; see lead water testing.

Can a lab test my blood for lead?

No. These are environmental labs. A blood lead test is ordered by a doctor or a health department; see how to test for lead poisoning.