Alpha Track Test Kit AT 100

I purchased the test in January of 2010 and followed the directions. I waited over a year before sending it back. I had to call the company to verify that it was okay to send. The woman was very helpful. I received the results within weeks through email. We have a reading of 5.9, so looks like we'll have to do something. I've ordered a test kit from a radon specialist to do a short term test for comparison. the whole process was easy and very reasonable in cost. Too bad the venting system isn't as inexpensive! I'm glad I purchased this type of test and would recommend it.Update: the test went well and we received our results, as promised. It gave an average reading of the time we tested for. We wanted to verify there was a problem, so we called a local man who does these tests to set up his equipment in our basement for a few days and run his test. Keep in mind that radon levels do depend in the season. It seemed higher in the rainy seasons. The test confirmed a higher radon level. It ranged from 2.0-12. And our do it yourself test came back at 5.9. We had them install a fan system and redo the test to confirm it was working. All is well!

I purchased the single unit test kits as gifts. But, I used the two pack myself, for a 9 month test. About a year after using the two pack, we were making plans to sell the house. The real estate agent wanted another radon test done. This second test was a 48 hour test using an electronic device. The results of the test with the electronic device agreed with both Apha Track tests.Using the Alpha Track tests were easy: Place the devices, record some information, and leave the devices alone for several months. At the end of the test period, mail the devices in, with a little paperwork. The devices have barcode stickers, part of which can be put on the paper where you record the information. That reduces the chance of error.When the results were complete, we got an email with a printable PDF result form. Having the serial number allows us to look up the results at AccuStar's website up to a year after the test is complete.

Many of the homes in my neighborhood had those nasty radon ventilation systems put in when the homes were last sold. I was always suspicious on those quick 24-hr tests (which trigger this expensive, visually ugly and often unnecessary home addition). I mounted the Accustar radon test kit in my main living space (as instructed) and left it undisturbed for 1 year. You simply mail it back to Accustar and then get a full report emailed back. As expected, my home passed fine during the full year test. The concept of monitoring radon has me now interested in installing a reversible basement ventilation fan (from Tjernlund Products). This fan can run on both timers and auto humidistat controls. Once I add this ventilation to our basement, I will certainly purchase the Accustar unit and run another year long test seeing how much ventilation reduces the average radon level. The goal is to get it as close to the natural levels in outside air.

Review for: Accustar Alpha Track Test Kit (AT 100) Radon Gas TestingOVERVIEW:-----------Easy test, you place it, let it sit for 3+ months, send it to the lab, and they quickly send back a report with the measurement, or you can read the results on their site. A review by a well-respected consumer magazine gives me confidence the number it gave me is probably fairly accurate as it rated it very good for long-term accuracy and measurement repeatability.PROS:------- This is a long-term 91+ DAYS option, smoothing out the effects of seasonal change, doors and windows opening and closing, etc. Outside of real estate transactions, this is the preferred option for most folks (confirmed).- Easy to do, quick response back from lab.- The lab report says the accuracy is +/-15%, which is probably well within what you need to determine if you might have an issue. You have the additional comfort of knowing that a well-respected consumer magazine selected it as the most accurate among home alternatives they tested.- Significantly less expensive than continuous monitors, though only one use.SOME SHORTER-TERMOPTIONS:--------------------What IF YOU WANT A READING MUCH SOONER? You will be giving up smoothing out the readings over seasonal changes and the opening and closing of doors and windows, etc., but you'll get warning of an issue much faster. Perhaps it is for a real estate transaction, or perhaps you just want to know if you have some kind of problem right away. Some options below:(1) Safety Siren Pro Series 3 (HS71512)This is a MONITOR with a CONTINUOUS READING DISPLAY, so clearly this has both a short-term and a long-term testing value, however it is significantly more expensive than a little alpha track test unit, though nowhere near as expensive as the higher end Accustar RS300/RS800. See below section on it for more detail.(2) RTCA 4 Pass Charcoal CanisterA respected consumer magazine rated this tops for short term testing, very good for accuracy and reliability. It is good for tests lasting 2-7 DAYS.(3) Accustar's RadStar Continuous Monitors: RS300 and RS800The RS300 is claimed to have 10% accuracy. The RS800 is claimed to have 5% accuracy, built-in LCD display, and simultaneous humidity and temperature logging. These are expensive but serious meters that can be used repeatedly.vs. Safety Siren Pro Series 3 (HS71512):---------------------------------------This gives you the same long-term value as the Accustar Alpha Track, but with the additional value of short-term information in the interim.This meter gives you continuous display readings. During the 3 months I let it sit, the readings started at 1.0 and dropped to 0.8 (picocuries per liter) where it has stayed. This was different from a highly accurate test by only 0.1 (with rounding the difference might have been less or more, of course).Try to ignore any readings for the first 48 hours.It is considered not as accurate as the Accustar Alpha Track and is certainly more expensive, however the availability in the interim of shorter term readings and ongoing monitor capability might tip the scales for you. A leading consumer magazine took issue with accuracy of the Siren Series Pro 3, however it is only 0.1 less than the 0.9 reading I get with the Accustar Alpha Track after 3 months, so either they mitigated whatever the issue was or the additional inaccuracy may not be so great as to be a deal killer.COMPARING SOME SHORT-TERMTESTS I CAN'T FIND REVIEWAPPROVAL FOR:------------------------------A leading respected consumer magazine threw their weight in the ring for the Accustar Alpha Track for LONG-TERM testing and the RTCA 4 Pass Charcoal Canister for SHORT-TERM testing.However, for folks that want to consider the Accustar short-term options, despite the older reviews, in the hope they have improved, I created this section to at least help understand the differences.- Accustar's Liquid Scintillation (LS) Vial TestsThere is a 48-96 hour air test (CLS-100) and a water test for private wells. The results are supposed to be +/-10%, thought I can't find 3rd party strong support. The lab needs at least 12 hours with LS short term tests like this, so this is less popular for super short-term turnaround needs. A respected consumer magazine said tests gave repeatable values within 8% of each other which is considered very good, but the test didn't give an accuracy figure.- Accustar's Activated Carbon OpenAlso referred to as Picocan Open-Faced Charcoal Tests, these have much faster laboratory needs and thus are better for overall superfast turnaround time requirements. There are 2 types of these, the Picocan 275 and the Picocan 400. Both are recommended for a 48 HOUR TEST (though technically work for 2-5 days). Call their PA Lab for questions not answered on their website.- Accustar's Activated Carbon DiffusionThis carbon canister design resists humidity, giving us a longer testing period than the Activated Carbon Open design. They are recommended for a 3-5 DAY TEST (though technically work for 2-7 days). Call their PA Lab for questions not answered on their website.HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?:--------------------------A respected consumer magazine suggests that you should consider radon mitigation above 2.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).At the very least, if you see a reading 3.0 or higher (picocuries per liter) I would suggest looking into radon mitigation. I know they often say 4.0, however accuracy, environmental, and location variables are enough I'd say 3.0 minimum. Even just accuracy-wise, a 15% accuracy figure on 4.0 gives us a starting point for concern of 3.4 (4.0x15%=0.6). That said, if at all possible I'd take the above advice and seek remediation as low as 2.0.The EPA says that a "normal" indoor radon level is 1.3 and 0.4 outdoors, though from their maps it clearly varies a great deal depending on location.SOME SHORT-TERM RADONMEASUREMENT SUGGESTIONSFOUND ON INTERNET:----------------------------Maintain closed building conditions for 12 hours BEFORE AND DURING test:- Close doors behind persons, door not left open.- Windows closed.- Heating and cooling set to auto and temperature kept to 68-74 Fahrenheit.- Ceiling fan off if in tested room.- Whole house attic fans off.- Portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers off.- Fireplaces off and chimney dampers closed.- Clothes dryer permitted (note though, this can greatly affect humidity)- Newly constructed homes should be in "ready to move in condition" during any test.READING SUGGESTIONS:-----------------------epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.htmlIndoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols(EPA 402-R-92-004, July 1992) revisedProtocols for Radon and Radon Decay Products Measurement in Homes(EPA 402-R-93-003, June 1993)Radon Measurement in Schools - Revised Edition(EPA 402-R-92-014, July 1993)EPA National Radon Proficiency Program Guidance on Quality Assurance(EPA 402-R-95-012)epa.gov/radonepa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.htmlepa.gov/radon/zonemap.htmlHope this helps someone :)

I bought the one year test for our home after having a radon remediation system installed. Followed all their instructions. I returned it in the postpaid envelope. After a month, Accustar still had not logged in our device. I called them and was told by the young lady on the phone, "it's still probably in the bin". Really? After one month they had not even logged in our device. I know they probably really don't care about this negative review. That's pretty obvious. I have used other radon devices from other companies and have gotten results within two weeks of mailing the device. There are other radon testing device manufacturers. I suggest you check out others with better reviews. Good thing I didn't need to results for selling our house. Still, I guess eventually they will get around to it. After 6 weeks the device was finally taken out of the bin and logged in.