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.
Identification of chemical agents such as cyanide, nerve agents, toxic metals, volatile organic compounds, ricin, abrin, and other metabolic toxins are performed through the use of instrumentation that includes GC/MS, ICP-DRC-MS, and HPLC/MS/MS. All requests for testing must be made by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner and must be approved by the State Epidemiologist.
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The Biochemistry Division also performs blood lead analysis on children. Instrumentation used in this analysis, the ICP-DRC-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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