Lab Matters Winter 2021 | Page 17

FROM THE BENCH
Discussion
Herbal supplements are sold over the counter and with little to no regulation of ingredients by state and local agencies . In this instance , the supplements were imported and sold without labeling of ingredients of any kind . The intentional addition of sildenafil to promote sexual performance in males is an illegal activity in the US and places these supplements in the category of counterfeit drugs . No reason for the use of glyburide in the supplements has been found , however its addition created a public health concern that could have resulted in serious injury or death . The ability of public health laboratories to screen for and identify unknown compounds is of distinct benefit to the communities they serve . This investigation also highlights the importance of rapid response capability of analytical testing and the necessity of active collaborations with other stakeholders in a public health crisis . n
Acknowledgments :
Jennifer A . Ross , MD , Department of Emergency Medicine , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , VA
John W . Downs , MD , Virginia Poison Center , Virginia Commonwealth University Health System , Richmond , VA
Lindsay A . Bazydlo , PhD , Department of Pathology , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , VA
Paige H . Bordwine , MPH , Virginia Department of Health , Richmond , VA
Catherine E . Gineste , PhD , Department of Pathology , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , VA
Marissa C . Kopatic , MD , Department of Emergency Medicine , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , VA
DIGITAL EXTRA : Read more in the June 19 , 2020 MMWR .
Saumitra V . Rege , PhD , Department of Emergency Medicine , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , VA
Dawn M . Saady , MS , Virginia Department of Health , Richmond , VA
Okey F . Utah , MBBS , Virginia Department of Health , Richmond , VA
Brandon K . Wills , DO , Virginia Poison Center , Virginia Commonwealth University Health System , Richmond , VA
S . Rutherfoord Rose , PharmD , Virginia Poison Center , Virginia Commonwealth University Health System , Richmond , VA
Christopher Holstege , MD Department of Emergency Medicine , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville , VA

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Winter 2021 LAB MATTERS 15