Short Term, 3-7 Day Self Test Kit Short term charcoal media based tests are placed in the home for a period of 3 to 7 days. Upon completion of the test period, the test is sealed and sent to a laboratory where the radon which has been absorbed into the charcoal media is precisely measured. The laboratory then issues a report indicating the amount of radon which was present during the test period. During the test period the home must have the windows and doors closed as much as possible. Climatic changes, wind speed and barometric pressure can all affect the test results. If possible try to test during a period of calm, settled weather conditions. In Wisconsin the average cost for a homeowner self test kit, which is charcoal media based, averages $14 to $21 from licensed & registered radon professionals. Avoid purchasing self test kits from retail stores that do not have a specific expiration date. The tests are likely to degrade if not used within 12 months of manufacture.
| Long Term, 3-12 Month Self Test Kit This test is called an "Alpha Track" test. This long term testing is accomplished with the use of a specially coated plastic media which is placed in the subject home. This test is exposed to normal living conditions over a period of 3 months to one year. During the exposure period the microscopic radon particles actually score the highly sensitive test media surface. Following exposure the test media is placed in a sealed container and sent to the laboratory for analysis. A comprehensive report is then sent to the submitting party. In Wisconsin these tests are often used to get an accurate overall radon level over many various conditions such as temperature extremes, barometric pressure changes, heating and cooling seasons. The home can be used in it's normal manner, unlike short term testing that requires the home sealed up as possible (windows & doors kept closed). The average price in Wisconsin from a licensed & registered radon professional is between $35 and $65.
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