How Long Does a Radon Test Take?

Short term radon tests offer the fastest results. Our shortest option, QuickScreen is a charcoal radon screening that can return results after just 48 hours of exposure, while Rapidos is a radon level monitoring device that requires a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 90 days to produce accurate results. Choose a window for results that fits your plans and needs for accuracy to select the right type of test.

Our long term radon tests, Radtrak³ start with a 91-day window and run as long as 1 full year. A three month to 1-year test will reveal a full record of how radon levels rise and fall over the year and expose you to maximum levels over time. If your lab results come back below the 1EPA’s minimum reading, you can reasonably expect to not need radon mitigation.

Long term and short term radon tests differ in more than just their measurement time frames. The very materials used to manufacture the tests are different between the various types. Short term screening tools use activated charcoal that quickly adsorbs gas from the air to leave sampling behind for lab testing. Alpha track testing kits are also widely used for highly accurate short term tests that take 10 days to three months. Long term tests are also based around alpha track technology using CR-39 chips that capture "tracks" made by radon decay particles. Aside from needing slightly different placement, number of tests, and handling, these tests are otherwise similar enough to use easily once you’ve read the instructions.

Both long and short term radon tests can be placed on shelves, end tables, or hung from thread to capture an accurate reading of gas levels in the home. It’s not always easy to find a place that the device can remain undisturbed for a long term test. Hanging the test kit greatly extends your options for getting an accurate reading over many months of exposure. Consider experimenting with short term tests first to see what parts of the home have higher reported short term levels before investing in a more accurate long term test kit that will take a few months to yield results.

Once you’ve completed the test period for your selected kit, it’s time to return the device(s) to the lab. All of Radonova alpha track kits include shipping instructions and a prepaid shipping label to return the test to the lab as soon as possible. When the kits are returned, it typically takes between three and seven business days for the lab to complete the process and report results. This is the usual processing time for alpha track tests, whether they’re short or long term. Charcoal tests are typically processed and reported in one to three business days. With any device type, if the required measurement information is not provided by the user as instructed, or there is missing or errant information, analysis and reporting may be delayed. Completely filling out the measurement form online as instructed will result in fastest processing times.

Don’t forget to factor in the mailing time to the lab. Kits returns via USPS can take anywhere from two days to two weeks to reach our lab depending on your location, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. It is encouraged that you use a tracked shipping service such as Fed Ex or UPS when returning the detectors for analysis to minimize delays. The lab cannot process the tests and report results until the test kit is returned.

Now you’re prepared for the process of DIY radon testing. You know what to expect when ordering and using your test kits and waiting for the results from the lab. Check out Radonova’s selection of both short term and long term radon test kits and charcoal screenings with rapid lab processing and quick turnaround times on results.