Laboratory Review and Liaison Group

Introduction to the Laboratory Review and Liaison Group (LRLG)

The HPA coordinates a collaborative group called The Laboratory Review and Liaison Group (LRLG). The LRLG is a group of leading experts in the field of biological monitoring and chemical analysis from laboratories, organisations and institutions around the UK. There are currently no national standards or protocols for biomonitoring following a chemical incident and so the LRLG is responsible for the development of protocols and a sampling kit.

Project Aims and Objectives
Members
Laboratories
Work
Future work

Project Aims and objectives

Aims

To produce standardised National protocols for collection, transport and analysis of biological samples following a chemical incident.
To develop a database of methods for the analysis of biological samples for priority chemicals of concern (acute and chronic exposure)
To develop a functional network of expert laboratories offering routine and emergency response to chemical incidents (acute) and environmental exposures (chronic); thus offering surge capacity in an emergency.

Objectives

To develop a template for Analysis of Biological Samples
To develop a National Analysis Request Form
To develop a National Chemical Exposure Assessment kit (ChEAK)
To develop a set of criteria for biological sampling following a chemical incident.
To complete and agree standard and accredited procedures for the top 20 chemicals and initiate a database of these procedures.
To agree a process for the continual update and expansion of the database of protocols.
To identify knowledge gaps and feed into CRCE research plans.

LRLG members

Health Protection Agency - CRCE-HQ (Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental hazards), Chilton, CRCE-Cardiff, SRMD (Specialist Reference Microbiology Division), LARS (Local and Regional Services)

Health and Safety Laboratory (biomonitoring pages)

Cardiff Toxicology Laboratories

Medical Toxicology Unit (London)

Regional Toxicology Laboratory (Birmingham)

Health Protection Scotland (Glasgow)

The Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA)

Laboratories

Several key laboratories are involved in the analysis of human samples for the HPA work and include those that support the work of the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), the Medical Toxicology Unit (MTU) in London and the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA). All of these laboratories have UKAS or CPA accreditation or take part in National QA systems.

Work of the LRLG

Following a chemical incident it is not always clear whether biological samples should be taken. For guidance, LRLG are preparing a criteria document to inform HPUs whether it is worth taking samples.
The LRLG reviewed the availability of biomarkers of exposure and/or effect for the first set of ten chemicals and has developed standard sample collection, transport and analysis protocols based on their findings. If criteria for sampling set out in the criteria document are fulfilled, these protocols are to be used to ensure a consistent approach.
In response to recommendations from analytical laboratories regarding sample collection and transport, the group has proposed a National Sampling and Transport Kit. This kit meets EU transport standards for biological samples and standardise the collection of samples following a chemical incident.
To accompany samples, the LRLG has also developed a National Analysis Request form to provide laboratories with clear instructions for their analysis, the nature of the exposure and details of sample collection. This form has been adopted by the HPA's Centre for Emergency Planning and Response (CEPR).

Future work of the LRLG

After samples have been analysed, the results produced need to be interpreted to identify potential health risks and to determine if medical management is needed. Development of a system for the provision of appropriate interpretation of results is planned.
The network of laboratories may need to be extended to include other National facilities. To take part in the project, laboratories must sign up to the protocols/criteria set out by the LRLG.

Last reviewed: 15 July 2011