[marak830]

Yeah, for a PCM test we only count 100 fields, and identify the number of fiber end points (upto 2) which with math can give an approx number of fibers/cc2 - helps determine approx how much potential can be in the air (this is usually done during abatement - when it's being cleaned up).

A PLM analyst will use multiple methods to determine if the sample has asbestos, and takes a much longer time.

There are even more expensive tests that can be performed but I'm not so familiar with those.