The following analytes are routinely analyzed in biological samples:
Analyte | Instrument | Method Reference |
|---|---|---|
Metals | ICP-MS | EPA Method 6020 |
Methyl Mercury | CVAF | EPA Method 1630 |
Mercury | Various | EPA Method 7473, 245.6, 1631E |
PCB Aroclors | GC-ECD | EPA Method 8082 |
PCB Congeners | HR-GC-MS | EPA Method 1668 |
Organochlorine Pesticides | GC-ECD | EPA Method 8081 |
PAHs | GC-MS-SIM | EPA Method 8270-SIM |
Dioxins/Furans | HR-GC-MS | EPA Method 1613, 8290 |
PBDEs | HR-GC-MS | EPA Method 1614 |
Lipids (fat content) | In House SOP | |
Percent Moisture | In House SOP |
Organic Analysis
Unlike soils which can effectively be extracted by ultrasonic disruption of a soil/solvent mixture, tissues require a more exhaustive, extraction technique. Analysis of samples is done according to Pace’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), derived from EPA methods noted in the above table.
Inorganic Analysis
Tissue samples may require metals analysis by:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS)
- Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA)Cold Vapor Atomic Flourescence (CVAF)
Methods and Hold Times
There are no absolute guidelines on holding times for tissue samples once they are frozen. Different sources have different recommendations. Some projects specify holding times, and if possible, we will try to meet those, but we consider the holding time to be one year from collection if the samples are kept frozen.