Side by side
| DIY kit | Professional testing | |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Indicative positive or negative | Measured µg/100 cm² per sample |
| Speed | Minutes | Site visit plus laboratory turnaround |
| Cost | From $19.95 | Quoted per property |
| Accreditation | None | NATA accredited sampling (No. 20837) |
| Accepted by insurers and tribunals | Generally not | Yes |
| Shows where contamination is | Only the spot you swab | Yes, by room or surface |
| Best for | Routine checks, quick screens | Purchases, claims, disputes, remediation |
What research says about kits
A 2023 study in Toxicology Communications tested seven brands of methamphetamine presumptive kits used in Australia. It found a negative result is a good indication that meth is absent, and that kits can react below the 0.5 µg/100 cm² guideline. The authors concluded kits are useful for screening but should not be relied on to plan remediation.
How to use both
- Use a kit for routine between-tenancy or pre-inspection checks.
- If the kit is negative and nothing else is concerning, keep a record and move on.
- If the kit is positive, or the decision is high-stakes, book professional sampling.
- Use a detailed assessment for remediation scoping and validation.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the EnviroForce team