Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Laboratory (CIHL)

Mission Statement
The Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Laboratory is a team of highly skilled professionals committed to providing timely and highly integrated analytical chemistry services in support of the health and environmental needs of the U.S. Navy and other departments. This is accomplished through developing, implementing and employing the latest analytical chemistry techniques, methodologies, science and technology in a safe and cost efficient manner.
 

• Accredited by COLA (ID#11541) and CLIP (DOD2351104) for biological testing.
• AIHA-LAP,LLC (Lab ID:102170) accredited for Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Lead​.
• Equipment and staff handle over 20,000 customer samples per year.
• Testing performed for Naval & Marine Corps in the Eastern U.S. & Atlantic Region.
• Rapid customer communication via telephone, e-mail, and World Wide Web capabilities – results back via E-mail and /or hardcopy.

Laboratory turn-around time: Within 12 working days. Download our Sample Guide

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Contact Us
Our staff of professionals are seasoned analysts. From helping to determine the type of media, method, down to what should be sampled, we are here to help. Let our staff find the right solution for your analytical needs! 
usn.hampton-roads.navenpvntmedutwova.list.nepmu2-cihl-custsupp@health.mil Programs and Services
 

• Large variety of over 175 Industrial Hygiene stressors analyzed
• Environmental lead analysis in air, paint and wipes
• Blood Lead & Zinc Protoporphyrin analysis
• ICP Metal analysis in air, bulks, and wipes
• Bulk Asbestos identification and fiber counting analysis
• Isocyanates in paints & aerosols
• Naphtha’s, Mineral Spirits, Stoddard solvents, and fuel analysis
• Broad assortment of organic solvent analysis
• Inorganic acid analysis
• Wide selection of latest NIOSH and OSHA methods performed

Laboratory Analytical Equipment
 

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with Graphite Furnace (AAS/GF)
• Gas Chromatographs (GC)
• Gas Chromatographs with Mass Spectrometers (GC-MS)
• Phase Contrast Microscopes (PCM)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers (ICP-AES & ICP-MS)
• UltraHigh Pressure Liquid Chromatographs (UPLC)
• Ion Chromatographs (IC)
• Polarized light microscopy (PLM)

Services

• Equipment and staff handle over 20,000 customer samples per year.
• Testing performed for Naval & Marine Corps in the Eastern U.S. & Atlantic Region
• Rapid customer communication via telephone, e-mail, and World Wide Web capabilities – results back via E-mail and /or hardcopy
• Laboratory turn-around time: Within 12 working days  

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we need to use your forms to submit our sample paperwork?
A: Yes, the Navy is standardizing. The link to the form for air analysis is: Industrial Hygiene Air Sample Survey Form NMCPHC 5100/13 and for bulk is: Industrial Hygiene Bulk/Wipe Sample Survey Form NMCPHC 5100/16
 
Q: Who will you send the result to?
A: We send the results to all the contact names on the paperwork under the “IH POC” section in the upper right corner of the standard form. You can put as many people that you want on the paperwork, but to ensure delivery of the results, please make sure you have the correct address, email and/or phone number to the POC(s) in that block.
 
Q: Can you find a sample result from 1 to how ever many years ago?
A: Yes, but to make things faster and easier, please provide the sample number that you are looking for.
 
Q: How much do you need for a bulk sample to analyze for metal scans, Hexavalent Chromium or asbestos?
A: Approximately the size of two quarters of the material to be tested is a minimum requirement. If you want a metal scan AND Hexavalent Chromium, send at least twice the minimum.
 
Q: Should I split the samples for the lab if I want a metal scan and Hexavalent Chromium?
A: To make analysis faster, the samples should be split in separate bags with separate paperwork.
 
Q: How fast should we send Hexavalent Chromium samples to the lab?
A: Send samples directly after taking the sample. The reason is that there are specific hold times for Hexavalent Chromium depending on the operation you are sampling. The lab needs enough time to stabilize the samples. If the samples are past the hold time then the results will be negatively affected and there will be a note on the report.
 
Q: Do I need to send a bulk sample for Napthas, Kerosene, petroleum distillates, JP, or gasoline analysis?
A: Yes. These stressors are comprised of multiple different hydrocarbons, and the composition can vary from batch to batch. You will need to collect a sample of the stressor you are requesting. Please send the bulk separate from the rest of your samples to prevent contamination of the samples. Include with the bulk paperwork that indicates which set of samples the bulk corresponds with.
 
Q: What does QNS mean when we submit a bulk sample?
 A: QNS means Quantity Not Sufficient. We did not receive enough material for analysis.
 
Q: Does the lab provide the media for analysis?
A: Typically we do not provide media. We are not funded to provide most media. We only provide media for Isocyanate analysis.
 
Q: Does media really expire?
A: Yes, media will expire. All samples must be analyzed on media prior to the manufactures expiration dates. Do not use media that is expired or about to expire before laboratory analysis can begin taking into account shipping time as well.
 
Q: Do we need to submit blanks with our analysis?
A: Yes, you need to submit a field blank, and a media blank. The blanks must be from the same lot number as your samples. For every day that you are sampling you will need a field blank. The field blank is opened in the area you are sampling and the media blank should remain closed.
 
Q: Can Hexavalent Chromium be analyzed on a dust wipe?
A: No, if you sample with a dust wipe you will get the results for total chromium. A PVC filter can be used as a wipe for sampling Hexavalent Chromium.
 
Q: Can we request an Urgent or Rush sample?
A: To get a sample rushed, you must first call the Lab Director (757-953-6562). The answer is that it depends on the number of samples and the reason for the request. If there is a work stoppage or possible exposure the lab will do it’s best to get the work completed faster. The type of analysis and the number of samples will factor into how fast the samples can be completed. Please keep in mind every sample is not a rush or urgent sample.