Protocols

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.

Further information on LRLG can be found on the LRLG pages

The protocols, developed by the LRLG, will cover the collection, transport and analysis of samples for biomonitoring purposes.
Information is provided on:  

• Specimen type e.g. Blood
• Sampling technique e.g. Venepuncture
• Type of sampling container e.g 10ml EDTA tubes
• Minimum volume of sample required e.g. 1 ml
• Optimum timing of sampling post exposure 
• Storage prior to transport   
• Information regarding transport (time limits, temperature).
• Analytical Methods including reporting units (e.g. nmol/l) and detection limits
• Alternative sampling methods e.g. Urine, hair, nails, saliva
• The range of measured background levels (if any)   
• Biological exposure limits
• Turnaround times (in working days)
• Cost (£) of analysis for different numbers of samples

 

Protocols are currently being developed for

• Ammonia
• Asbestos   
• Carbon Monoxide
• Chlorine 
• Inorganic acids 
• Mercury
• Petrol (petroleum fractions) 
• Toluene 
• Tobacco smoke 
• Organophosphates and/or nerve agents 

 

In the future protocols will developed for Lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, phenol, benzo[a]pyrene (PAHs), Organochlorine pesticides (POPs), Organophosphate pesticides (measurement of residues in human samples) and paraquat.

Last reviewed: 12 July 2011