|
|
Division of Environmental Toxicology
The Division of Environmental Toxicology supports the AFIP's medical diagnostic function by analyzing biological specimens for the presence of materials encountered in a patient's environment. Laboratory methods such as gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, atomic emission detection, and electron-capture detection, high performance liquid chromatography with absorption and fluorescence detection, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy are used to detect therapeutic drugs, synthetic polymers, pesticides, volatile organic chemicals, and other foreign materials in tissue, blood/serum, or urine. The identities and purities of unknowns, products suspected of having been adulterated, and medicinal supplements can likewise be verified. An ongoing project involves laboratory testing in support of Gulf War veterans' illnesses and possible Agent Orange exposures in Vietnam veterans. Recently initiated projects include an investigation of the applicability of transdermal sweat patches for monitoring troop exposures, the use of infrared microspectroscopy to detect and identify microorganisms, and the development of a Virtual Public Health Laboratory (VPHL) in association with the DoD's Global Emerging Infections System.
|
| |
| Privacy and Security Notice | Directions | A-Z Site Index
| Download the Latest AFIP Newsletter | Contact Us |
