NAVY BENEFICIARY PEDIATRIC BLOOD LEAD ANALYSIS

Contract Laboratory Analysis

Navy Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) may elect to have pediatric blood lead samples analyzed by a private-sector laboratory. The Department of Defense has negotiated a contract for medical sample analysis that includes pediatric blood lead analysis. The contract number is W81K04-12-D-0017 as last amended and the vendor is Laboratory Corporation of America, Burlington, NC. Under this contract, pediatric blood lead analysis is test 717009 with a unit cost of $6.00. Sample collection, packing and shipping must be determined by contacting the vendor directly.

Navy Laboratory Analysis

Pediatric blood lead samples taken at Navy MTFs from Navy and Marine Corps medical services beneficiaries can be analyzed by either of the two COLA accredited Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Laboratories (CIHLs) below. Samples from MTFs east of the Mississippi River, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia and Central and South America should go to CIHL Norfolk. Samples from MTFs west of the Mississippi River, the Pacific Basin and the Far East should go to CIHL San Diego.

Sample Collection

Venous blood is collected in microtainer tubes containing an anti-coagulant, i.e., EDTA. The minimum volume required is 500 ml. The sample must be thoroughly mixed with the anti-coagulant immediately to prevent clots. Clotted samples are unacceptable. Samples must be accompanied by a roster (transmittal list) listing the patient’s name and social security number for each sample. Each sample tube must have labels with the same information. Keep samples refrigerated (do not freeze) and hand deliver or ship in an insulated container refrigerated (i.e., with a cold pack).

Packing and Shipping

Samples must be shipped to the laboratory via overnight express (e.g., FedEX, UPS) so that they are not in transit more than 24 hours. That means that they must be shipped on Monday through Thursday only so the CIHL is open to receive the samples and place them under refrigeration. All biological samples must be properly packaged and labeled in accordance with Navy, federal, state and local regulations. The samples must be placed in a sealed, waterproof primary container that contains absorbent material sufficient to absorb all possible leakage. The primary container must then be placed in a sealed, secondary container. The secondary container can then be placed in an outer container for shipment. All containers should be adequately cushioned so the samples do not become loose and move during shipment. Freezer ice packs should be used to keep the samples cold during shipment so they arrive at the CIHL still cold. Either an insulated shipping box or insulting material added to a normal shipping box may be required. Do not use crushed ice, block ice or dry ice.

Analytical Turnaround Time

The CIHL’s turnaround time for routine analysis is five working days after receipt. Rush analysis must be justified and coordinated in advance with the CIHL.