Introducing Our Latest Investment in Precision: The Malvern Panalytical EDXRF at The Testing Lab

At The Testing Lab PLC, we’re constantly investing in cutting-edge technology to deliver faster, more accurate, and more insightful testing results for our clients. That’s why we’re excited to announce the arrival of our newest laboratory instrument – the Malvern Panalytical Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer.

This powerful tool is a game-changer for our soil and construction materials testing, and it significantly enhances our ability to analyse the elemental composition of a wide range of materials — with unrivalled accuracy and detail.

What is EDXRF and Why Does it Matter?

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) works by directing a beam of X-rays at a sample. When the X-rays interact with the atoms in the material, they emit secondary (or fluorescent) X-rays. These emissions are unique to each element, allowing the instrument to identify and quantify the elements present in the sample — like having a chemical fingerprint.

The EDXRF is suitable for both solid and liquid samples. At The Testing Lab, we primarily use it for soil testing, contaminated land assessments, waste classification, and the investigation of construction materials like cement and mortar. However, we can also test other sample types, provided they can be finely ground into a powder.

Why Our New EDXRF Outperforms Handheld Devices

While handheld XRF analysers are useful for on-site indicative testing, they often fall short for compliance or precision requirements. Our new lab-based EDXRF delivers:

• • Higher accuracy and lower detection limits (as low as 0.01%)
  • More rigorous sample preparation, including drying, grinding, and pelletising for consistent, repeatable results
  • The ability to detect trace metals and major elements critical in environmental and construction assessments

When paired with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) data, we can now provide clients with a complete picture of both what elements are present and how they are structured in the material — an essential advantage for geotechnical engineers, environmental consultants, and construction professionals.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re assessing potentially contaminated land, analysing recycled aggregates, or verifying the composition of legacy construction materials, our new EDXRF ensures:

• • Faster turnaround on complex tests
  • More confident decision-making with precise data
  • The ability to meet compliance standards with lab-grade analysis

Ready to Work With Us?

This investment reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of laboratory testing — giving our clients access to the latest science, without the long wait times or inflated costs of larger labs.

Even better – throughout July The Testing Lab PLC are offering a whopping 50% DISCOUNT off our standard rate per test on all NEW SAMPLES!!

If you’d like to learn more about how our new EDXRF can support your next project, get in touch today!