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NMCPHC operates two IHLs; located in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. The laboratories provide analysis of samples collected under the technical direction of U.S. Navy Industrial Hygienists to identify and quantify occupational exposures of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel, both military and civilian, to chemical substances.
The IHLs also analyze biological samples submitted by occupational health physicians and nurses for the determination of lead and cadmium in urine and blood and mercury in urine.
The results of sample analyses are usually reported within 12 working days of sample receipt to the occupational health professional submitting the sample. That occupational health professional subsequently uses the analytical results to calculate, interpret and report potential occupational exposure. The IHLs do not analyze samples for air pollution and water pollution under EPA jurisdiction nor do they analyze environmental samples for bacteria and fungi collected as part of an Indoor Environmental Quality investigation. For environmental analysis under U.S. EPA and state permits, please contact your local NAVFAC Environmental Office.
More information on the IHL in Norfolk, VA >>
More information on the IHL in San Diego, CA >>
The Industrial Hygiene Laboratory at NEPMU5 will no longer perform sample analysis for Asbestos Identification and Fiber Counting. All samples received for asbestos identification or fiber counting will be forwarded to the laboratory at NEPMU2 for analysis. Please see attachment for additional guidance.
Professional Staff
Each CIHL is led by a Laboratory Director and staffed with a QA Coordinator, seven Chemists and a Health Technician, all of whom are Civil Service personnel. Staff Chemists possess a wide variety and many years of experience in research and analytical chemistry. The Technicians provide vital support that allows for the smooth functioning of the CIHL. The QA Coordinator is responsible for a QA program that establishes accreditation requirements.
Clinical guidance, including recognition, management and clinical isolation guidance are generally covered by CDC: CDC Clinical Overview
Clinical management for Fleet medical personnel can be found in the NMCFHPC Fleet Mpox Medical Guidance
Clinical guidance for MTFs can be found in the DHA Mpox Guidance Update_5Sept2024
Currently, neither mpox testing nor treatment are readily available in a forward deployed operational setting. Units should identify suspected cases, isolate them, and move them for care at an MTF when operationally feasible.
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113 This is an official U.S. Navy website This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system. General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.list.bumed---pao@health.mil