MEMBERSHIP
Virology analyst Tahoe A . prepares a COVID-19 specimen for analysis . Photo : New Mexico SLD
Testing
SLD delivers testing services through its three scientific bureaus :
• The Infectious Diseases Laboratory tests for common infectious diseases ( pertussis , measles , mumps , TB , seasonal influenza , etc .), foodborne diseases and diseases endemic to the region including tularemia , hantavirus and plague . Currently it is the hub for COVID-19 testing at SLD .
• The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory analyzes hazardous materials and pollutants for potential health threats . It tests both drinking and surface water and supports New Mexico ’ s new medical cannabis program with testing , technical assistance and inspections at select laboratories . It recently completed validation of its array of cannabis testing methods and is in the early stages of bringing on PFAS testing , since PFAS was discovered in groundwater near two air force bases in 2018 .
• The Forensic Toxicology Laboratory is responsible for alcohol and drug testing for DWI cases and for testing in sexual assault cases . Toxicology staff also appear frequently in court , which makes it difficult for them to complete their work at the laboratory . SLD is tackling the problem by developing time-saving testing efficiencies .
Successes
• Increasing COVID-19 testing capacity tenfold in 10 months ( 300-400 samples per day in March 2020 to over 3,000 per day in January 2021 ). In addition to expanding staff , SLD was able to purchase instrumentation that increased test throughput substantially .
• Reliably performing all laboratory functions throughout the course of the pandemic .
• Obtaining funding to purchase new instrumentation for testing of designer drugs and to integrate toxicology testing into the LIMS system .
Challenges
• “ COVID-19 required us to change how we did everything . Of course , there ’ s always challenges . Going into a pandemic without having relationships established with public health decision makers in the state was challenging for me , but it was also an opportunity .”
• SLD anticipates challenges in obtaining funding to adequately pay staff , move technology to the next level and maintain readiness for the next event . Historically , PHL funding increases during major events and falls off precipitously once they pass . Said Edwards , “ Some of the equipment we ’ ve used for COVID-19 testing was purchased during the last major public health event , the 2009 H1N1 pandemic . This is an example of how public health funding works – or doesn ’ t work .”
Environmental Microbiology analysts Kodi L . and Jessica E . prepare retail meat samples for surveillance testing . Photo : New Mexico SLD
Specimen Receiving staff members Susan T ., Pam R . and Anna P . check in specimens for testing . Photo : New Mexico SLD
Goals
• Prepare for the next event . “ We must maintain preparedness for all hazards . We may be in the middle of the worst pandemic in a century but who is to say what will happen in the next few years ? Pathogens don ’ t respect pandemic fatigue .”
• Take care of the staff ’ s mental health . “ This is my first priority once we get through the surge phase of the pandemic . We ’ ve been running around the clock seven days a week . Staff burnout is real . We have so many good people . They love what they do . I ultimately want what ’ s best for them , but I want them here , not at another laboratory . If we don ’ t take care of our staff , we risk losing them [ to institutions outside the public health laboratory system ] and weakening the system overall .”
• Continue to build next generation sequencing and bioinformatics capabilities .
• Expand cannabis testing , guidance and inspection ; continue to identify testing efficiencies to support staff who appear in court and continue to develop methods to detect designer drugs . n
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Winter 2021 LAB MATTERS 27 |