AccuStar Charcoal Short-Term Radon Test Kit

AccuStar Labs has been the gold standard for charcoal canister radon testing in the United States for decades. NRPP-certified and recognized by the EPA, AccuStar test kits are the single most commonly specified kit in real estate transactions — a testament to their accuracy and legal defensibility.

The test itself is straightforward. Place the open-faced charcoal canister in your lowest livable area (basement or ground floor) for 48–96 hours under closed-building conditions — meaning windows and exterior doors remain shut during the entire test period except for normal entry and exit. The canister passively adsorbs radon gas from the air throughout the test. When done, seal it in the provided pouch and mail it to the AccuStar laboratory using the prepaid return envelope included in the kit.

AccuStar's lab analyzes each canister using gamma spectrometry — one of the most precise analytical methods available for radon measurement. Results are returned within 2–3 business days of the lab receiving the canister. Your report includes your radon level in pCi/L, EPA guidelines for interpretation, and recommendations if your level exceeds 4.0 pCi/L.

For home sales, this is often the go-to test because it provides fast, legally defensible results. For homeowners doing routine checking, it's the most cost-effective way to verify whether a radon mitigation system is still working or whether a new home needs attention.