The Biochemistry Division conducts testing on biological fluids for the identification of chemical agents. Human exposure can occur through an intentional act of terrorism or through accidental exposure. In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other federal agencies, the laboratory can provide evidence of a chemical event.
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). This instrumentation is supported by the Laboratory Response Network (LRN-C) of the CDC for the detection of chemical agents.
Analytical methods include:
- Heavy Metals in Urine by ICP-MS
- Heavy Metals in Urine by ICP-MS
- Blood Metals by ICP-MS
- Arsenic and Selenium 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
Testing capabilities are expanded as new methods are added to the program annually. As a part of the LRN-C, the laboratory is prepared to test for a chemical event at a moment's notice. All requests for analysis must be made by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner and must be approved by the State Epidemiologist.
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Additionally, the Biochemistry Division performs blood lead analysis on children. Instrumentation used in this analysis, the ICP-MS, is the same instrumentation utilized in chemical preparedness. All blood lead results are reported to the Mississippi Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program daily.
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Laboratory Services Request
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.
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