Lab Sample Exchange

Introducing Lab Sample Exchange

The Lab Sample Exchange is a feature in Alpha Tracker for surveying companies to easily send asbestos sample data to external labs who use Alpha Tracker for fibre analysis, and for those labs to return the analysis results at the click of a button.

The Lab Sample Exchange works through OpenAsbestos™ to enable the sharing of sample data electronically from other Alpha Trackers and also from some other external systems (eg Flow Mobile Surveying).

Nothing is shared publicly and your wider asbestos records remain private. Only the data you authorise for exchange with your lab is transferred — securely, accurately, and under your full control.

Want to know more? Click to read our FAQs.

Lab Sample Exchange Process Overview

1. Survey & Send

The Surveyor captures the asbestos survey data, including samples, using Alpha Tracker and Tracker Mobile or Flow Mobile Surveying. They select the Lab they want to carry out the analysis and send the samples to the Lab Sample Exchange.

2. Analyse

The Lab reviews the details of samples sent to them and seamlessly books them into a project in Alpha Tracker. The Lab then carries out the fibre analysis of the samples as normal, generating the certificate when this is complete.

3. Return

When the Lab has finished their checks of the analysis, they return the analysis results and certificate at the click of a button. The surveying company review and accept the results to update their survey project and can then generate their survey report as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you can't find an answer to your questions.

What is the Lab Sample Exchange?

The Lab Sample Exchange is a feature in Alpha Tracker that allows laboratories and asbestos consultancies to send and receive sample data electronically. It replaces slow, error-prone manual processes (like retyping results) with a fast, secure digital connection.

How does the Lab Sample Exchange work in practice?

When you submit samples to a participating lab, the results are uploaded once into the lab’s system and then passed securely through OpenAsbestos straight into your Alpha Tracker database. No more duplicate typing, spreadsheets, or emails — just accurate results delivered automatically.

Does my lab have to be connected to OpenAsbestos?

Yes. To use Lab Sample Exchange, the laboratory must be connected to OpenAsbestos. This ensures results are transferred securely and consistently between systems.

Does connecting to OpenAsbestos mean all my data is shared with the lab?

No. Only the specific data required for the sample exchange is shared. Your wider project or asbestos information remains private unless you explicitly authorise sharing.

Is my asbestos data secure when using the Lab Sample Exchange?

Yes. Data is transferred using secure, encrypted channels. Neither Alpha Tracker nor OpenAsbestos make your data publicly available — only you control what is shared and with whom.

Who can see my data when I use the Lab Sample Exchange?

Only the laboratory you have chosen to connect with receives the data necessary to process your samples. No other organisation can access your information.

Can I use Lab Sample Exchange with more than one laboratory?

Yes. You can connect to multiple labs, provided each one supports OpenAsbestos. Each connection is separate and under your control.

Do I have to use Lab Sample Exchange to work with my lab?

No. You can continue to exchange results in the usual ways (email, spreadsheets, etc.). Lab Sample Exchange is an optional feature designed to save time and reduce errors.

How does Lab Sample Exchange benefit me as a consultancy or duty holder?

No double-keying of lab results.
Faster turnaround of sample information.
Improved accuracy and fewer mistakes.
Full control of what’s shared and when.

Can I disconnect or stop using Lab Sample Exchange if I change my mind?

Yes. You are always in control. You can stop using Lab Sample Exchange at any time and revert to your previous method of exchanging lab results.