Lab Matters Summer 2018 | Page 54

APHL 2018 Annual Meeting Poster Abstracts
Environmental Health
Method Evaluation and Qualification for an ABSciex 5500 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer
J . LaPalme , Y . Wang , O . Adair and R . Dixon , South Carolina Public Health Laboratory , Columbia , SC
The timely and accurate testing for exposure to toxic substances is a critical component of the Public Health Laboratory ’ s mission . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats ( LRN-C ) leads the effort in ensuring emergency response capabilities . In this poster we will highlight the method performance of an organophosphate nerve agent metabolites in urine assay by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry ( LC-MS / MS ). Due to South Carolina DHEC Public Health Laboratory ’ s chemistry division instrumentation reaching the end of its life cycle and vendor support , the previous ABSciex 4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometers were updated to the SCIEX 5500 model with support from the LRN-C program . In order to maintain testing capabilities , the analytical methods were transferred and rigorously evaluated with a thorough CLIA validation protocol . The LC-MS / MS assay for organophosphate nerve agent metabolites in urine was one of the first methods to be transferred from the ABSciex 4000 MS / MS to the SCIEX 5500 MS / MS . The analytical Chemistry Supervisor and the Chemistry Division Director agreed upon the method validation protocol to be implemented . The following method characteristics were examined : accuracy , precision , method comparison , reportable range , analytical sensitivity , analytical specificity , carryover , matrix effects and reference range . Acceptance criteria were established to ensure method robustness and accuracy . The validation study was carried out over a three week period . Six different laboratory chemists participated in the performance evaluation producing 20 calibration curves . There are 8 calibration levels plus 4 quality control levels including a matrix blank . Analytical accuracy was determined by comparing the calculated mean value with the true target value . Precision was determined by calculating the percent coefficient of variation (% CV ) of the quality control sample measurements at three different levels across the analytical measurement range . Both intra-day and inter-day precision demonstrated less than 6.25 % CV . Method comparison involved previously assayed samples for each analyte . The data was plotted by analyte for each regression analysis . Matrix effects were evaluated using three concentration levels across 4 amounts of sample matrix . The reference range was evaluated using 20 genuine blinded human urine samples . This multi-analyte assay validation met the acceptance criteria established , enabling the laboratory to continue providing accurate testing to the community of South Carolina . Laboratories need to continually update assays , instrumentation and processes . In order to successfully transition between techniques , method evaluation allows for staff training and performance validation in a compliant fashion to ensure high quality test reporting .
Presenter : James LaPalme , South Carolina Public Health Laboratory , Columbia , SC , Phone : 803.896.3866 , Email : lapalmjh @ dhec . sc . gov
Genomic Similarity of Legionella pneumophila Isolated from Routine Monitoring of Hospital Premise Plumbing Systems
( complete abstract in Infectious Disease , p . 75 )
The EPA ’ s Water Contaminant Information Tool ( WCIT ): A Look at Three New Contaminant Profiles ; Perfluoroctane sulfonate ( PFOS ), Perfluorooctanoic acid ( PFOA ) and Legionella
J . Bain , G . Gardenier and L . Mapp , U . S . Environmental Protection Agency , Washington , DC
In the event of a natural , intentional , or unintentional water contamination incident a quick and effective response is crucial to limiting the impact on water systems and public health . Responding to a contamination event requires accurate information on the nature of the contaminant and how to properly treat it . The Water Contaminant Information Tool ( WCIT ) is a dynamic and valuable resource designed to provide this information to responders and address new risks and issues as they arise . WCIT is a secure , online database that contains vital information , such as analytical methods , drinking water and wastewater treatment processes and medical information , on priority contaminants of concern for drinking water and wastewater systems . As such , this tool facilitates the dissemination of vital information that can be used to help communities prepare for , respond to and recover from an incident . Here we provide an overview of the tool , highlighting some of its unique features and uses and report recent updates to the database . WCIT is constantly being updated with information on priority contaminants to help utilities and other users respond effectively and efficiently to drinking water and wastewater contamination incidents . The most recent updates to the tool have focused on adding new profiles on emerging contaminants of the greatest concern . For example , perfluorooctane sulfonate ( PFOS ) and perfluorooctonanoic acid ( PFOA ) have gained a lot attention recently due to their persistent nature in the human body and environment and their potential adverse health effects in people . The EPA released a new health advisory in 2016 , lowering the recommended levels in drinking water ( from 400 ppt for PFOA and 200 ppt for PFOS to 70 ppt combined PFOA and PFOS ). Following the release of this updated health advisory , WCIT profiles have been developed for these contaminants and will be discussed here . Additionally , another contaminant that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years and is a major concern for water systems is Legionella pneumophila . Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in warm water and can cause a severe pneumonia-type lung infection that has a high mortality rate ( up to 30 %), especially in immunocompromised people . To help utilities and responders address this contaminant a WCIT profile was created and is also discussed .
Presenter : George Gardenier , US Environmental Protection Agency , Washington , DC , Phone : 202.272.0167 , Email : gardenier . george @ epa . gov
A Closer Look at US Environmental Protection Agency Facilities
M . Burns and M . Linnenbrink , US Environmental Protection Agency , Washington , DC
From the earliest days of public health , environmental protection has been fundamental to preventing disease and ensuring a healthy population . From John Snow and the Broad Street Pump to chlorinated drinking water in Jersey City , NJ , protecting the environment has been a core public health function . The same is true today . While the public health community in the U . S . no longer
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LAB MATTERS Summer 2018
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