Manchester University's Asbestos fibre-counting Program (MAP) now performs satisfactorily on the Magiscan image-analyser for most industrial samples. Further work to develop the software is unlikely to produce proportionate improvement in performance. From the available data, MAP counts are not distinguishable within the range of results from visual-counting laboratories either internationally, when using the European Reference Method (ERM), or nationally, using inhouse methods or the ERM. When compared with those visual counters employed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who are trained and practised in the ERM, MAP results are not distinguishable at concentrations above approximately 0.3 fibres ml −1 . MAP counts relatively high at concentrations below 0.3 fibres ml −1 , but is still within the confidence limits established from quality control with HSE's in-house method. MAP performance on routine samples taken after delagging operations has not yet been investigated fully. HSE are now using the MAP in conjunction with Magiscan for routine monitoring of asbestos concentrations, taking these factors into account.