Because of the nature of carpet pile, no samples can be directly prepared from carpet for analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two indirect methods are currently used by laboratories when preparing samples for measuring the amount of asbestos present in carpet material. One is an ultrasonic shaking technique which requires that a portion of the carpet be cut and sent to the laboratory. The other is a micro-vacuuming technique which has been used generally in the assessment of asbestos in settled dust in buildings. It is not destructive to the carpet. Both methods utilize TEM to identify, measure and count the asbestos fibers found. Each can provide important but different information when an assessment of the level of contamination of carpeting is being made.