Lab Matters Fall 2023 | Page 63

APHL 2023 POSTER ABSTRACTS for year two of the DEI work group , including discussion of five newly formed committees , that were formed as a direct result of survey responses received , and the work of these committees will be shared . Finally , this poster will indicate considerations for implementing a DEI work group in a public health laboratory setting , and future goals of the work group .

Presenter : Anna Strain , anna . strain @ state . mn . us

Inclusive Leadership

N . Balakrishnan 1 , M . Freeman 2 , S . Smith 3 ; 1 Georgia Public Health Laboratory , 2 Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services ,

3

North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health

How we consider , understand , and interpret the environment informs perception . Perceptions inform decision making and beliefs . For this reason , beliefs about various identities can be biased and affect the treatment of others . The labels unconsciously given to people may negatively impact achieving an inclusive workplace that is supportive of the diversity in people . Several researchers have documented the importance of inclusiveness and described its elements – fairness and respect , value and belonging , confidence and inspiration . Effective leaders must embrace inclusive leadership to promote a healthy working environment free of unconscious bias . Unconscious bias is critically important to understand , acknowledge , and manage microaggressions in our working environment . There are six signature traits of an inclusive leader . They must be cognizant and mindful of personal and organizational biases that narrow their field of vision and precludes objectivity . They must be courageous . This includes not only advocating for self and others , but also demonstrating vulnerability and humility . They must demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion , ensuring their objectives align with team personal values . There should be a willingness to collaborate through empowerment . Inclusive leaders should embrace the diversity of the organization and communities and motivate others to respect and honor their differences . They should strive to understand the diversity of their team through the purposeful act of building cultural intelligence . Finally , they should encourage a setting where curiosity is welcomed and encouraged . Have an open mind because differences encourage growth . Embracing inclusive leadership should be a goal for progressive organizations , understanding the importance of the six signature traits . Each leader is encouraged to assess your workplaces to identify gaps , determine areas of improvement , and strategically implement activities that support an unbiased environment . The “ APHL Gathering Place : All are Welcome ” promotes , embraces , and models DEI within the public health laboratory infrastructure by sharing ideas , observations , and lived experiences while also providing resources supportive of diversity , equity , and inclusion practices . The DEI Task Force has gained insights on the complexities of diversity , equity , and inclusion and uses the awareness to help grow others .

Presenter : Nandhu Balakrishnan , nandhu . balakrishnan @ dph . ga . gov

FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY

Determining the Viability of EPA Method 200.7 as a Replacement for EPA Method 365.1 for the Analysis of Phosphorous in Water Quality Samples

J . J . Chisholm , Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana Department of Health ( IDOH ) has utilized the EPA 365.1 analysis method for the analysis of phosphorous in water quality samples . This project aims to determine if phosphorous can be analyzed using the EPA 200.7 method that was used to analyze metal content in water samples .

Presenter : John Chisholm , jjchisholm @ yhc . edu

Evaluation and Validation of Quantitative PCR for Listeria monocytogenes in Foods

F . Weber , J . Maitland ; Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services

Background : The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has begun requiring state laboratories performing surveillance under the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model ( LFFM ) to have the capability of quantifying any samples positive for Listeria monocytogenes . The current cultural method for quantification has shown variable recovery during verification trials while also being costly and time consuming . This single lab in house validation project will explore using quantitative polymerase chain reactions ( qPCR ) to enumerate levels of L . monocytogenes in contaminated food products . Methodology : Testing design was guided by the International Standard ( ISO ) single lab in house validation protocol ( ISO 16140 series ). Three food categories were chosen to assess the scope of abilities of the qPCR process to enumerate L . monocytogenes under various food related stress conditions ( heat-processed milk and dairy products , fresh produce and fruits , and ready to eat / ready to reheat meat products ). One type of food was chosen per category , and one item was chosen per type . The three items to be tested include ice cream , sprouts , and cooked deli meats . Five different individual sub studies will be included in the overarching validation . Test to be completed are relative trueness , an accuracy profile , limit of quantification , in-house precision , and inclusivity / exclusivity for detection of the bacteria of interest . Results : Results will become available at the conclusion of the study and will be used to evaluate the accuracy , reliability , and consistency of the qPCR enumeration for potential implementation into laboratory methods . Conclusions : The findings of this project will be beneficial in understanding how molecular methods can be utilized to enumerate positively screened L . monocytogenes samples as an alternative to the current cultural route .

Presenter : Faith Weber , faithweber24 @ gmail . com

Reference Materials for Food Safety Chemistry Testing : Importance and Considerations

B . Harris , K . Aviado ; New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories

Background : The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories performs food safety chemistry testing as part of the FDA ’ s Laboratory Flexible Funding Model . Through its human food surveillance work , the program tests a wide variety of food products .