Overview of the Chemical
Threat Laboratory of Texas
William Edgemond, Ph.D.
Texas Department of State Health Services
October 2013
Course Objectives
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Introduction and Background
Who We Are
What We Can Do
What We Want You to Do
Chemical Threats
Laboratory Response Network
International network of laboratories to respond
quickly to high priority public health
emergencies, such as biological, chemical, and
radiological threats, through training, rapid
testing, timely notification and secure messaging
of laboratory results.
LRN-C Structure
CDC
Level 1
• 10 Labs
• Level 2 & Level 3
Activities
• National Surge
Capacity
• Core Methods &
Add’l Methods
•Additional
Personal &
Instruments
Level 2
• 34 Labs
• Level 3
Activities
• Core Methods
• State/Local
Response
Capacity
Level 3
• 9 Labs
• Competency in
collecting and
shipping clinical
samples
• Comprehensive
response plan
US Chemical Threat Labs
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Level 1
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Level 2
Level 3
Course Objectives
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Introduction and Background
Who We Are
What We Can Do
What We Want You to Do
Personnel
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Dr. Bill Edgemond
Team Lead/Chemical Threat Coordinator
Jim Barnes
Chemist
Jocelyn Hover-Jeansonne
Chemist
How We Will Respond
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Can easily handle a large number of samples
utilizing Lab Check-in personnel and space
Types of Samples
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Clinical Samples
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Blood
Urine
Environmental/White Powders
Clincal Methods
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CAP/CLIA Accredited Lab
11 Methods
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Developed by CDC
3 GC/MS Methods
4 LC-MS/MS Methods
3 ICP-MS Methods
1 LC-ICP-MS Methods
Instrumentation & Capabilities
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Biosafety L2 Hood
Chemical Hoods
Automated Liquid
Handler
Bar Code Reader
LIMS
GC-MS
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Cyanide in Blood
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Volatile Organic
Compounds in Blood
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Tetramine in Urine
ICP-MS
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Cadmium, Lead, & Mercury
in Blood
Trace Elements in Urine (Be,
Co, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, W,
Pt, Tl, Pb, U)
Arsenic & Selenium
LC-MS-ICP
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Lewisite (Chlorovinyl
arsonous acid)
LC-MS/MS
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Abrine/Ricinine
Organophosphorous
Nerve Agent
Metabolites
Tetranitromethane
Metabolite (HNPAA)
Monofluoroacetate/
Monchloroacetate
Unknowns/White Powders
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Typical submitted by
FBI
Cleared by Bio Threat
Classify type of
compound
Texas CT Lab
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Know we’re here.
Know what we can do.
Share that with labs, hospitals and first
responders across the state.
Unknowns/White Powders
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FT-IR
FT-IR Microscope
XRF
Geiger Counter
Volatiles Detector
Wet Chemistry Tools
CT Lab Contact Info
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512-458-7270—Direct Lab Phone.
512-689-9945—24-hour Emergency Phone.
William.edgemond@dshs.state.tx.us –
Chemical Threat Coordinator
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/epr.shtm -DSHS Chemical Emergency Website
http://emergency.cdc.gov/chemical/lab.asp -CDC Chemical Emergency Website
Texas CT Lab
Questions