Which of the following testing methods is primarily used for surface lead detection?

Swab testing is the primary method used for detecting lead on surfaces. This technique involves using a moistened cloth or wipe to collect samples from surfaces suspected to contain lead-based paint or lead dust. The collected samples can then be analyzed in a laboratory to determine the presence and concentration of lead. Swab testing is especially effective in environments where lead exposure is a concern, such as homes built before 1978 in the United States, when the use of lead in residential paint was banned.

Using swab testing allows inspectors and risk assessors to make informed decisions about lead hazards and the necessary actions to mitigate or remediate those hazards. Other methods, such as blood tests or environmental sampling, serve different purposes; blood tests measure lead levels in an individual's bloodstream and are typically used for health assessments, while environmental sampling generally refers to analyzing soil or air samples rather than surfaces. Patch testing is more commonly associated with skin reactions and is not relevant in the context of lead detection on surfaces.