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

Lab Matters , APHL ’ s flagship publication , is seeking submissions from laboratorians at all levels of practice for “ From the Bench ,” a member-driven section of its quarterly magazine .

Told from the unique perspective of laboratory scientists , administrators or staff , we welcome articles covering topics across public health laboratory science , administration , careers and management .

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