Paint Sampling Instructions for Lead Analysis

Madison Department of Public Health (MDPH) provides lead analysis of paint and varnish for $20 per sample. 
Samples may be collected from any surface, including toys or furniture. The following steps should be taken 
when collecting paint or varnish samples for lead analysis:

1. Collect one or more paint or varnish chips about the size of a dime that includes all layers of paint or varnish without any of the underlying material (i.e. wood, plaster, etc).

2. Place each sample in a clean, sealed plastic bag. Do not mix chips from different surfaces. Each surface should be treated as a different sample.

3. Label the bag with the following information:

• Submitter’s name, address, and phone number
• Description of the sample including surface type and location (i.e., exterior siding, interior window sill – Child’s room)

4. Submit samples to:

Chemistry Lab 
Madison Department of Public Health
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Rm. 507
Madison, WI 53703-3346

Samples may be submitted by mail or in person from 8am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Test results will be available in 2 to 14 days depending on when the sample is received.