--- title: D-Lead Offers Some Clarification about Their Lead Test Kits description: Recently I published 3 articles to RRPedia regarding the EPA recognized test kits. Dan Askin of ESCA Tech, Inc. contacted me to provide some clarification image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15742347-jpg/images/d-lead_test_kit-wr.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [D-Lead Offers Some Clarification about Their Lead Test Kits](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/50184/D-Lead-Offers-Some-Clarification-about-Their-Lead-Test-Kits) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Wed, Nov 24, 2010 @ 10:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### **D-Lead Manufacturer Offers Some Clarification about Their Test Kits** #### ![EPA Recognized test kit](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15742347-jpg/images/d-lead_test_kit-wr.jpg?width=117&height=117&name=d-lead_test_kit-wr.jpg)Recently I published three articles to RRPedia regarding the EPA Recognized test kits.   Links to these articles are at the end of this article.  On November 15th, 2010, Dan Askin, President & Technical Director of [ESCA Tech, Inc](http://www.esca-tech.com/). (manufacturer of the EPA Recognized [D-Lead® Paint Test Kit](http://www.esca-tech.com/lptk/ProductDetail.php?category=2700&productnum=LPTK)), contacted me via e-mail to provide some feedback and clarification regarding some of the content of my articles.   Maintaining accuracy of the content I post to RRPedia is very important to me.  I want to thank Dan for taking the time to put together his comments.    Below I will share some of the clarifications Dan provided. #### **Approved vs. Recognized:** ![Lead Test kit approval](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15739470-jpg/images/confused_with_spiral-wr.jpg?width=56&height=56&name=confused_with_spiral-wr.jpg)First off, Dan clarified that the test kits are not “approved” by EPA; rather, they are “Recognized” by EPA.  In order to be recognized for RRP use, test kits must pass the EPA approved testing process specified in the final rule.   **Dan’s Comments:** The EPA has not and cannot approve a Lead Paint Test Kit.  The EPA has Recognized 3 Test Kits to date.  Government Agencies cannot approve, certify or endorse a commercial product, hence the origin of the term “Recognized”.  See:[ http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/testkit.htm](http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/testkit.htm)” #### **Ease of Use and Total Testing Time:** ![Time to use Test kit ](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15738452-jpg/images/clock_face-wr.jpg?width=78&height=51&name=clock_face-wr.jpg)In my articles I expressed my opinion that the [Lead Check test kits](http://leadcheck.com/) are simpler to use and the Lead Check kits give instant results with no waiting, where as the D-Lead Test Kit instructions say the test takes 3-13 minutes. ** ** **Dan’s Comments:** With minimal practice, the D-Lead® Paint Test Kit is simple, fast, and easy to use.  It takes 1 to 2 samples to acquire the knack of collecting a sample with our sample tools.  A positive test is usually instantaneous.  Our test time is the same regardless of the form of lead present and this includes detection of chromate bearing paints.  The lower end of the time range (3 minutes) covers most positive tests and includes preparation, sample collection, testing and recording the results.   A positive test result is instant unless one of two events occurs: (a) The lead layer is covered by substrate collected with the sample, or if (b) The lead layer is embedded in the middle of several layers.   If the test result is low or negative, then you set the sample aside for 10 minutes before taking a final reading.  The 3 – 13 minute range is the time frame observed by Battelle Memorial Institute during the independent third party ETV Testing Program. When testing with LeadCheck® the same amount of time is required to clean the sample area and your sample tool, score the paint, test, observe and record the results.   According to Lead Check’s instructions: “It is a good idea to reexamine a test site that is suspected to contain lead chromate 30 minutes after the initial test and then 60 minutes after the initial test. If there is still no red or pink coloring, then the negative test result is correct.”   [(Click here for video and written instructions for the D-Lead and Lead Check Test Kits)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/49473/EPA-Approved-Lead-Test-Kit-Instructions) #### **Kit Contents:** ![Test kit contents](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16116748-jpg/images/question_mark_puzzle_piece-wr.jpg?width=60&height=60&name=question_mark_puzzle_piece-wr.jpg)In one of my articles I stated that the “Lead Check swabs contain everything you need inside the swabs.  You can just squeeze the kits with your fingers as instructed, shake the swab and you are ready to test.  The D-Lead kits require measuring and mixing chemicals to get ready for testing.” ** ** **Dan’s Comments: **You still need to provide cleaning materials to prevent cross contamination and your own sampling tool with the other recognized test (Lead Check).  We are not aware of any measuring required with our kit as all reagents are premeasured, unless you are referring to counting 5 drops of solution.  We provide a complete kit that includes the D-Wipe® Paint Sample Prep Towels, sampling tools and waste disposal.   ### **Links to the three RRPedia articles:** [Choosing Between EPA Approved Lead Test Kits](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/49478/Choosing-Between-EPA-Approved-Lead-Test-Kits) [EPA Approved Lead Test Kit Instructions](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/49473/EPA-Approved-Lead-Test-Kit-Instructions) [EPA Decides RRP Trainers Can Use Either Test Kit at RRP Training Classes](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/49677/EPA-Decides-Trainers-Can-Use-Either-Test-Kit-at-RRP-Training-Classes)   #### **[![Lead Paint Forms Store](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15771133-jpg/images/lead_paint_forms_store_banner-wr.jpg?width=116&height=94&name=lead_paint_forms_store_banner-wr.jpg)](https://kwikbinder.infusionsoft.com/go/LAK/SMcCadden/)If you are looking for forms and signage to help you with comply with the EPA RRP rule, I recommend you check out what [The Lead Paint Forms Store ](https://kwikbinder.infusionsoft.com/go/LAK/SMcCadden/)has to offer.** Topics: [Lead Test Kits and Testing](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/lead-test-kits-and-testing) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.