APHL 2021 Poster Abstracts
Thus , the effectiveness of the NJHANES protocol will be assessed throughout the study based on response rate and final participation . This presentation provides the study approach that was developed for NJHANES to maintain cost-effectiveness , minimize close contact , and ensure an adequate response rate .
A recruitment packet containing a formal letter , return card , and pre-paid envelope will be mailed to each randomly selected household . The letter introduces the study and provides a website link and QR code for participant ’ s convenient access to the online screening questionnaire and relaying their eligibility to the NJHANES team . Alternatively , participants can call NJDOH or mail back the return card in the provided pre-paid envelope , with their preferred contact method and information . Once eligible , participants will be contacted , as indicated , to give consent . Consent will be primarily given over the phone to the project team , and a consent form can be signed electronically or can be alternatively implemented during the in-home visit by the contracted field staff using a mobile device while maintaining good social distancing . Questionnaires will be administered electronically using REDCap , a HIPAA-compliant software that fully utilizes computers and mobile devices for data collection , storage , and transfer . Electronically collecting questionnaire information reduces the contact between study staff or contracted field staff and participants as well as gathering all the data in one central location for ease in data management and analysis . These approaches minimize contact during the pandemic and in the post-era of COVID-19 . Specimen collection will be conducted by contracting a mobile phlebotomy service . The mobile phlebotomy service will go to each participant ’ s home on appointment-basis only to collect the specimens , eliminating the need for participants and NJDOH staff to go to additional medical facilities . The specimens will be dropped off at NJDOH or picked up by a courier to minimize transit time and preserve the specimens . To save paper and minimize contact , results will be delivered electronically via secured email . For anyone who doesn ’ t have access to email or prefers hard copies , the report will be mailed to them by regular mail .
Presenter : Elisabeth Cook , New Jersey Department of Health , Elisabeth . cook @ doh . nj . gov
Help Us , Help You : Collaboration at the Center of EPA ’ s Water Laboratory Alliance Program
E . Dixon and L . Mapp , US Environmental Protection Agency , Washington , DC
Around the nation , water utilities are seeing an increased need for emergency preparedness to all-hazards water contamination . Having a collaborative network of support can make or break a utility ’ s response to a water contamination incident . To foster a collaborative , nationwide network of laboratories to assist utilities large and small with emergency water testing , the Water Laboratory Alliance ( WLA ) was formed . Its aim is to build connections between utilities and water laboratories that can assist in chemical , biological , or radiological water testing that a utility doesn ’ t otherwise have the capacity to test . However , mutual aid of all forms can benefit from the expansive network of WLA including , emergency managers , on-scene coordinators , first responders , state and local government officials , and public health officials .
By joining WLA , members gain visibility and increased credibility as part of a nationwide laboratory network . Members benefit from built relationships essential for effective emergency response and from opportunities that identify potential improvements to their internal standard operating procedures .
In addition , WLA has created free preparedness tools and trainings to support overall water security . This includes the Water Laboratory Alliance Response Plan ( WLA-RP ), Water Contaminant Information Tool ( WCIT ), Analytical Preparedness Full Scale Exercise Toolkit ( AP-FSE ), and the Laboratory Compendium . WLA products also include resources and guidance documents on analytical methods , sample handling , and data reporting . These tools not only increase the ability to prepare for potential contamination incidents , but also increase awareness for partnership and collaboration with all members of emergency response .
Presenter : Emma Dixon , US EPA , dixon . emma @ epa . gov
Advancements in Determining Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds in Groundwater
M . Ebitson , Biotage , Charlotte , NC
The purpose of this research was to demonstrate advancements in sample preparation while improving the quality and consistency of results than in a conventional 8270 liquid-liquid extraction with drying and concentration techniques . Method 8270D has a very extensive list of semi volatile organic compounds that range in volatility . The sample preparation workflow consisted of automating the extraction procedure with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced SPE disk necessary to retain the wide range of compounds in this method . The addition of an in-line carbon cartridge was necessary to retain the more volatile compounds such as n-nitrosodimethylamine , n-nitrosomethyl ethylamine and methylmethane sulfonate . In order to streamline and provide consistent results , the extracts were dried with an advanced separation paper . This technique will demonstrate its effectiveness vs traditional drying methods with sodium sulfate . To conclude the sample preparation workflow , a water bath with an integrated nitrogen blowdown was used . The instrument ’ s nitrogen ramping and end-point detection capabilities reduced variations between extract concentrations while minimizing manual interaction . This presentation will demonstrate how to implement and utilize the workflow in today ’ s busy laboratory environment .
Presenter : Michael Ebitson , Biotage , Michael . ebitson @ biotage . com
CyanoBOOM ! The Complexity of Freshwater Cyanoblooms in Pennsylvania
P . Higgins , P . Kelville and C . Sterling , Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection , Bureau of Laboratories , Harrisburg , PA
Cyanoblooms occur in freshwater bodies that are loaded with nutrients , such as nitrogen and phosphorous , and when water current decreases and temperatures rise . Cyanoblooms present a health risk to the public , animals , and the ecosystem when harmful cyanotoxins are released into the water from the cyanobacteria present in the bloom . The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ( PA DEP ) Bureau of Laboratories ( BOL ) supported the monitoring and analysis of cyanoblooms by identifying and enumerating cyanobacteria and implementing cyanotoxin ELISA detection assays . In 2020 , many blooms that were sampled contained more than one dominant cyanobacterial genera and four cyanotoxins were detected across the state at various
Environmental Health
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Summer 2021 LAB MATTERS 53 |