Radon Test Procedure
There are two general ways radon detector kits are used. Which kit to use and how to run the test depends on your reason for testing.
Radon Screening Test
A first time or screening test to determine if radon is present within the home should be done with a short-term carbon canister kit. Place the radon test kit in the lowest “lived in” portion of the house. The kit instruction sheet will list the duration of the test period and where to mail the kit for analysis. Once you have initial test result, use the "Homeowner Testing Flowchart" to determine your next steps.
Homeowner Testing Flowchart
Use a long term test kit when initial screening test results are between 4.0-8.0 pCi/L. The long term test kit is run 91-365 days.
When Selling a Home
When buying or selling a property or when you need to know the radon results in a short time, use a charcoal canister kit and the following procedure:
Close all windows and doors on all floors of the house 12 hours before beginning the test and throughout the test period. You can go in and out of the house, but keep it closed up as much as possible during the test.
Use two short-term radon detector kits exposed at the same time or 2 short-term tests run one after another. Place the radon test kits in the lowest portion of the house that is used for living purposes. The kit instruction sheet will list the duration of the test period and where to mail the kit for analysis.
Wisconsin Certified Radon Measurement Contractors
