The Biochemistry Section conducts testing on biological fluids for the identification of chemical agents. Human exposure to chemical agents can occur accidentally or through an intentional act of terrorism.
Technology
The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, including three Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS), two Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometers (GC-MS), and two High Performance Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers (LC/MS/MS).
Blood Lead Analysis
The Biochemistry Division also performs blood lead analysis on children. Instrumentation used in this analysis, the ICP-MS, is the same instrumentation used in chemical preparedness. All blood lead results are reported to the Mississippi Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program daily.
Chemical Threat Response Analysis
As the only Laboratory Response Network Chemical Threat (LRN-C) level 2 laboratory in the state, the biochemistry section can detect evidence of a chemical event through partnership with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Current in-state analytical capabilities include the following:
- Heavy Metals in Urine by ICP-MS
- Blood Metals by ICP-MS
- Arsenic in Urine by ICP-MS
- Cyanide in Whole Blood by GC-MS
- Tetramine in Urine by GC-MS
- Volatile Organic Compounds in Whole Blood by GC-MS
- Organophosphate Nerve Agents in Urine by LC/MS/MS
- Metabolic Toxins Panel in Urine by LC/MS/MS
- Tetranitromethane in Urine by LC/MS/MS
- Abrine/Ricinine in Urine by LC/MS/MS
All requests for chemical threat response analysis must be approved by the State Epidemiologist prior to specimen submission.
Laboratory Services Requests
The guidelines for sample collection, transport, and ordering can be obtained from the Laboratory Services Guide. All requests for clinical testing must be made by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
