Water testing service · Philadelphia, PA · reviewed since 2017
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%62+39.4Reliability 28%54+15.2Replies to reviews 8%19+1.6Craft & service penalty94−0.6Experts Score= 56Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.56SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#120 of 128 hazardous material removaliPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 6%
4.6★★★★★48 Google reviews · 21 photos
81%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
10%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Criterion Labs offers water, asbestos, lead, and mold testing alongside professional training and certification services in Philadelphia. Reviewers frequently praise the staff's responsiveness, clear communication, and ability to deliver results within promised timeframes, often noting the ease of sample drop-off and reasonable pricing. However, some customers report instances of poor email communication and confusion regarding billing or turnaround times, which occasionally led to missed delivery deadlines.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 48 reviews (81% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 48 Google reviews (30 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 52% of reviews.
Most recent review: December 9, 2025.
Service: Hazardous Material Removal Service serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Score profile vs other hazardous material removal
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.
Criterion LabsHazardous Material Removal median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Criterion Labs: 62/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.B
62
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Criterion Labs: 54/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.C
54
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Criterion Labs: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
94
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Criterion Labs: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Criterion Labs: 19/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.F
19
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
48 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars3981%
4 stars48%
3 stars24%
2 stars00%
1 star36%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 30 written reviews
97%praise
Praise3497%
Complaints13%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude1234%
Speed & response1131%
Price & value411%
Would recommend411%
Communication26%
Quality & results13%
Honesty & trust13%
What customers talk about
We read 30 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Very professional, they give you a cooler to protect the sample of the water, I spent a lot of money and time in other labs, because the water tempera…”
“Criterion knows how to keep the water safe and the most important is getting the results on the next day.”
“With the quality team at Criterion, you know you get the best testing for the most affordable amount.”
“I'd recommend them to anyone who needed to test for asbestos.”
“They called to explain exactly what they meant in simpler terms.”
“Mike came on site, was thorough, took the time to answer all my questions, and called me with very timely results as promised.”
“Honestly, I would suggest a different lab if you need metal analysis from drinking water.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
CChristopher7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Myself and our company has been working with Criterion for the better part of a year. The best lab we have ever worked with. Our water treatment company relies on accurate testing. When a customer shows me a lab report from Criterion. My self and my coworkers know without question it’s an accurate test. This makes…
GGabriela7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Very professional, they give you a cooler to protect the sample of the water, I spent a lot of money and time in other labs, because the water temperature was too warm, or contaminated. This lab is different.Criterion knows how to keep the water safe and the most important is getting the results on the next day.
AAnthonyLocal Guide · 28 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★
I had a disappointing experience with this company. Communication was poor and confusing, particularly via email. I was informed I would be charged for a different turnaround time without a clear explanation, which was frustrating as an outsider to their processes. Additionally, the company failed to deliver the…
LLee5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 years ago★★★★★
Tested for asbestos in old attic ceiling tiles and insulation using polarized light microscopy. Prompt and courteous service, clear and straightforward report, very reasonable price.
RRonBoLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 years ago★★★★★
Did an asbestos test. Easy drop off at front desk. Results emailed after payment. They have different turnaround prices. I paid about $47 for a two day turnaround.
BBenjamin1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 years ago★★★★★
Criterion always responds to my questions quickly. Always sends results within the timeframe requested and are generally great to work with.
Myself and our company has been working with Criterion for the better part of a year. The best lab we have ever worked with. Our water treatment company relies on accurate testing. When a customer shows me a lab report from Criterion. My self and my coworkers know without question it’s an accurate test. This makes it easy to help clean my customers water. Every person should test their water. With the quality team at Criterion, you know you get the best testing for the most affordable amount. Every one I have met in the laboratory cares about water and doing the testing 100 percent correct.
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
We appreciate our relationships with outside firms. We know you have many choices and we are grateful that you are working with us!
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Gabriela Romani7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gabriela has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very professional, they give you a cooler to protect the sample of the water, I spent a lot of money and time in other labs, because the water temperature was too warm, or contaminated. This lab is different.Criterion knows how to keep the water safe and the most important is getting the results on the next day.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you very much for your kind review. We try to make customer satisfaction our ultimate goal!
A
Anthony DeVitaLocal Guide · 28 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Anthony has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had a disappointing experience with this company. Communication was poor and confusing, particularly via email. I was informed I would be charged for a different turnaround time without a clear explanation, which was frustrating as an outsider to their processes. Additionally, the company failed to deliver the results within the timeframe I paid for. Despite following up, I was assured my one-week turnaround results would be delivered by 5 PM on the requested day. However, they ultimately arrived on the 13th day. Overall, the lack of clarity and delayed delivery left me dissatisfied.
Honestly, I would suggest a different lab if you need metal analysis from drinking water.
L
Lee Cassanelli5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Tested for asbestos in old attic ceiling tiles and insulation using polarized light microscopy. Prompt and courteous service, clear and straightforward report, very reasonable price.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you found our services prompt and reasonably priced and that our report provided clear information. We will continue to strive for excellent service!
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RonBoLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews RonBo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Did an asbestos test. Easy drop off at front desk. Results emailed after payment. They have different turnaround prices. I paid about $47 for a two day turnaround.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you for your review! We are glad to hear that the drop-off process was easy for you!
B
Benjamin Goff1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Benjamin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We needed to test for asbestos in ceiling tiles for an older home that we were remodeling. They were very quick and attentive in getting us our results. They called to explain exactly what they meant in simpler terms. Great company. I'd recommend them to anyone who needed to test for asbestos. Not sure what they do beyond that.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you for your positive review! We're glad to hear you had a good experience working with us! We appreciate hearing your feedback!
M
Michelle PLocal Guide · 59 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Lauren was very responsive to all of my emails and questions, and the water collection process was easy! Our test results were clear to read (we have amazing well water here in Holland-- much to our relief since we have a new baby)! I will use Criterion again if we have any more needs!
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with Criterion. We take pride in providing excellent customer service, and we're glad Lauren was responsive and helpful throughout the process. We would be more than happy to assist you again in the future, should the need arise!
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Suzanne Cressman5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Suzanne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The service at Criterion Laboratories is terrific! I needed a test done very quickly. Craig was more than accommodating in getting us scheduled. Mike came on site, was thorough, took the time to answer all my questions, and called me with very timely results as promised. I highly recommend this company.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Criterion Laboratories! We thrilled to hear you were happy with our team!
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Diane Kriebel6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Diane has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have getting lead worker and lead testing licenses from this business for years. Never had a problem. I now do my lead testing with Criterion and again have had not problems. Employees are extremely easy to deal with and very information. In addition they respond quickly to any questions. I feel there is no down side.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thanks for your continued trust in Criterion Laboratories! We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you again in the future.
