Analytical Laboratory Capability

The University at Albany Exposure Assessment Laboratory performs high-resolution, congener-specific analysis of PCBs in environmental media, biota, and tissue, milk, urine, and blood samples. The Laboratory is located at the University at Albany East Campus, and is currently under the direction of David O. Carpenter, M.D. The Laboratory is fully accredited by the New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program to perform and report human serum PCB analyses; accreditation under the NYSDOH Environmental Laboratory Approval Program is pending.

The Laboratory currently operates one Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with robotic-arm autosamplers, dual capillary columns, and dual electron capture (EC) detectors. This instrument is configured in a dual-column mode for simultaneous determination of analytes from a single sample on two stationary phases. Data are collected and processed by a Pentium computer running Class-VP (Shimadzu Corp.) chromatography software. Our standard analysis by dual-column GC/ECD quantitates 83 individual PCB congeners and 18 congeners as pairs or triplets, in addition to the pesticides DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene. Total PCB is also reported in all samples. Analysis of coplanar (dioxin-like) congeners and of total PCB as Aroclors (USEPA Method 8082) can also be performed.

Human Serum Analysis

The laboratory has a complete Standard Operating Procedure that includes sample receipt, preparation, analysis and reporting. The SOP also includes training and QA/QC standards. The SOP has been reviewed and approved by the Laboratory Director and the NYSDOH CLEP.

In short, human blood is collected in red-top (no additive) blood collection tubes by venipuncture and allowed to clot at room temperature. Serum is recovered by centrifugation, surrogate standards are added, and organic components isolated by means of a solvent extraction step. The initial extract is concentrated and subjected to a column cleanup procedure to remove polar interferences. The final cleaned extract is concentrated, internal standard is added, and the sample analyzed by dual column gas chromatography (GC) with electron capture (EC) detection. PCB congeners and pesticides are quantitated by an internal standard based calibration method.

A comprehensive intralaboratory QA/QC program is maintained to insure the highest confidence in reported data. In addition to biannual audits by the NYSDOH CLEP personnel, the laboratory also participates in the AMAP Ring Test, an interlaboratory proficiency program for PCBs and chlorinated pesticides in serum. The program is managed by the Nation Public Health Institute of Quebec.

The laboratory has completed data validation for all compounds that are reported. These validation procedures include precision and accuracy for all chemists as well as annual demonstration of proficiency. A Method Detection Limit has been determined for all compounds that are currently analyzed. List of the MDLs for the congeners of interest are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Method Detection Limits for selected congeners

Environmental Analysis

The laboratory also provides PCB congener specific analysis on a wide variety of environmental matrices including Air, soil, water, and plant and animal tissues. Samples are prepared following USEPA Solid Waste-846 Methodology. The laboratory has experience in working with difficult matrices and will customize methods to suit client's needs. Preparation of samples, including subdividing of soil cores, fish filleting, sediment separation from water, and large scale sample homogenization services is also offered. Field sampling of soil and water, may also be arranged in certain circumstances.

Equipment Use

Due to complex nature of analysis and equipment all analysis is perform by trained chemists. Analysis is conducted for academic, government, commercial and civic groups.

Pricing