Asbestos analysis is best left to the experts. Asbestos analysis can be done on site or take to the laboratory. In all instances, an air sample is taken. It should range from 0.5 to 5.0 titers per minute if the asbestos analysis is done in the form of phase contrast microscopy (PCM). In addition to PCM, asbestos analysis may use polarized light microscopy (PLM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) and x-ray diffraction. All methods of asbestos analysis have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of PCM, for example, is convenience and cost. PCM can be performed on site and is inexpensive. A disadvantage is it is non-specific for asbestos. An advantage of PLM asbestos analysis is it is specific to fibers. It is quick and can be performed on site if there is a microscope available. It is not, however, good at indicating low concentrations.