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TTL PLC, National Control Centre. DN6 7HH

Specialist X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis

The Testing Lab PLC (TTL) provides X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to determine elemental composition for a wide range of materials across England, Scotland and Wales.

Specialist X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis

The Testing Lab PLC (TTL) provides X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to determine elemental composition for a wide range of materials across England, Scotland and Wales.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis Across England, Scotland & Wales

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. When a material is exposed to high-energy X rays, its atoms emit secondary (fluorescent) X rays with energies characteristic of specific elements. By measuring these energies and intensities, XRF reveals which elements are present and in what quantities.

Common uses of XRF analysis

  • Elemental identification
    XRF can detect and identify elements from sodium (Na) to uranium (U).

  • Quantitative chemical analysis
    It measures the concentration of elements in solids, powders, liquids, and thin films.

  • Quality control in manufacturing
    Used in metals, cement, glass, plastics, and electronics to ensure materials meet specifications.

  • Environmental testing
    Helps detect contaminants such as heavy metals in soil, dust, water, and waste materials.

  • Mining and geology
    Determines ore grade, mineral composition, and elemental distribution in rocks.

  • Archaeology and art conservation
    Non-destructive analysis of pigments, ceramics, metals, and historical artefacts.

  • Coating and plating thickness measurement
    XRF can measure the thickness and composition of layered materials (e.g., gold plating, galvanisation).

Contact our XRF analysis team

To discuss XRF analysis for your material, product, or investigation, or to request a quotation, please contact our experienced and dedicated team:

Tel: 0800 177 7264
Email: [email protected]

Or please complete our online call back form by clicking on the “Call Me” button, and we’ll respond promptly.

Why XRF is widely used

  • Non-destructive — samples usually remain intact

  • Fast and cost-effective — results can be obtained in minutes

  • Minimal sample preparation — often little to no preparation compared to other chemical methods

WHY CHOOSE THE TESTING LAB PLC FOR XRF ANALYSIS?

Specialist analytical testing provider
Support for elemental composition testing using XRF, providing rapid insight for identification, QC and investigation across England, Scotland and Wales.

Clear, practical reporting
Results presented clearly to support material decisions, compliance checks, and technical reviews.

Fast, non-destructive analysis
A widely used technique offering quick turnaround with minimal sample preparation.

Independent. Nationwide.
Supporting clients across England, Scotland & Wales from our National Control Centre.

Areas we cover

From our National Control Centre, we provide XRF analysis services across:

We can support:

  • Elemental composition testing for metals, powders, solids, liquids and thin films

  • Quality control and specification checks across manufacturing sectors

  • Environmental screening for contaminants (including heavy metals)

  • Mining and geology testing for ore grade and elemental distribution

  • Non-destructive analysis for heritage, archaeology and conservation

  • Coating and plating thickness measurement for layered materials

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT XRF ANALYSIS

  • What does XRF analysis measure?
    XRF measures the elemental composition of a sample by detecting characteristic fluorescent X-Rays emitted by elements when exposed to high-energy X-Rays.

  • What elements can XRF detect?
    XRF can detect a wide range of elements, commonly from sodium (Na) through to uranium (U), depending on sample type and testing approach.

  • Is XRF non-destructive?
    Yes. XRF is widely used because it is non-destructive—samples usually remain intact after testing.

  • How fast is XRF testing?
    XRF can provide results quickly, often within minutes, making it suitable for quality control and rapid screening.

  • What sample types can be tested by XRF?
    XRF can be used for solids, powders, liquids and thin films, and is commonly used for metals, cement, glass, plastics and electronic materials.

  • Can XRF measure coating or plating thickness?
    Yes. XRF can measure the thickness and composition of layered materials such as plated or galvanised coatings.

Our Accredited Testing Services

Asbestos Testing & Analysis
UKAS accredited for bulk materials, soils, and air.
Asbestos Consultancy
Expert support for CAR 2012 compliance, asbestos management and project oversight.
Legionella
LCA registered risk assessments, testing, and remedial works.
Geotechnical Laboratory Testing
UKAS accredited soil and material testing.
Water Management
Monitoring and trend data to optimise treatment and reduce risk.
Radon Testing
Externally accredited testing for waste and radon safety.
RAAC Testing
Identify and manage RAAC risks in buildings.
WAC Testing
Soil and waste samples tested for accurate, compliant landfill classification.
WM3 Testing
Testing and reporting to support WM3 waste classification and compliant disposal.
Mundic Block Testing
Specialist testing for concrete degradation.
Effluent Discharge Permit Monitoring
Effluent sampling, laboratory analysis and clear compliance reporting.
PAS 109 Gypsum Testing
Testing recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard, with clear reporting from our Doncaster lab.
XRD Analysis
Non-destructive X-Ray diffraction to identify phases and characterise crystalline materials.
XRF Analysis
Fast, non-destructive elemental analysis for materials and products.
BS 1881-124 Hardened Concrete Testing
Hardened concrete analysis for mix constituents, durability indicators and reporting.
BS 3882 Topsoil Testing
Topsoil testing for BS 3882:2015 classification, quality and suitability.
Coal Tar Testing
Testing reclaimed asphalt for coal tar and PAHs to support classification and compliant management.
HMRC LOI Fines Testing
HMRC-compliant LOI testing for waste fines to support landfill tax classification.
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Douglas
Lothian Hotels Ltd

Dear The Testing Lab PLC,

Many thanks for your prompt and professional asbestos survey report service, I would not hesitate to recommend your company in this regard.

 

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Anonymous
Poole Housing Partnership

This must be an absolute record for getting a report back, considering the surveyor arrived around 3pm – very well done!
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Anonymous
ECORE Construction

Thank you for the very quick response for the quote and scheduling the survey. There’s never any fuss, and always straight forward. Thanks again.

 

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Stuart Meadowcroft
MRICS

Thank you for offering such a prompt turnaround for ACM testing and for your courteous service in doing so – I had a nervous client to placate and knowing the report would be back with them in such a short time was very reassuring to them, and for no more than a basic service from the competition!

 

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Anonymous
ARW Specialist Building Contractors Limited

Bradley, thank you for your efforts at short notice today, please pass on our gratitude to your surveyor Tim who did your company proud!

 

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Pawel Juraszczyk
British Pepper & Spice
H&S Manager

Thank you very much for the air sampling results – and please accept our grateful thanks for resolving this issue so quickly and for the promptness of the report.

Your analyst, Lee, was very helpful and his suggestions and advice appreciated.

We would have no hesitation in recommending The Testing Lab and will be in touch soon with regards arrangements for a full asbestos survey for the rest of the site.

 

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Gary Collinson MCIOB
Hull City Council
Programme Manager

TTL have been working directly as my analyst for the last 12 months on a very complex asbestos removal scheme, they have achieved all of their KPI’s without fail and on a number of occasions surpassed their SLA in acting for us on planning issues associated with the demolition in regard to contamination which cannot be removed as part of the normal sequence of operation.

 

There reports are always issued within timescales and they have policed the reports by the Licensed asbestos contractor faultlessly sometimes in very difficult circumstances.

 

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