Inorganic Analytical Chemistry is a core component of the Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry with diverse responsibilities that encompass the measurement of various inorganic contaminants in water, air, solid waste, and food, as well as the analysis of biological tissues and fluids (blood, urine, bone) for toxic metals/metalloids.  The analysis of environmental samples is conducted under appropriate regulatory standards: NYS DOH ELAP – Lab ID 10762: NELAP – E37911; and EPA Lab ID – NY00005, while the analysis of clinical specimens is carried out under 

As the EPA-designated reference laboratory for NY State, the Environmental Organic Chemical Analysis Laboratory analyzes water, and air samples submitted by state agencies and local health departments for a variety of organic environmental contaminants.

Analysis/tests routinely performed:

The Environmental Biology Laboratory ensures the health and safety of NYS citizens by conducting routine testing of drinking and recreational waters, carrying out research and development studies, and participating in various academic programs.

The Environmental Health Laboratories play a variety of vital emergency response roles:

The Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory (DIL) serves as the New York State public health reference laboratory performing serologic assays for the detection of patient antibody responses to bacteria, parasites, and viruses. A diverse array of techniques from classical to contemporary are employed.

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Accurate laboratory test results are essential to health assessment and disease or environmental exposure prevention. Wadsworth Center's quality and regulatory oversight programs assure the development and implementation of methods that provide accurate, reliable, reproducible test results from clinical specimens or samples collected from the environment. These programs include issuance of operating licenses to clinical laboratories, environmental testing laboratories and human tissue banks for transplantation and research.

Each year the Newborn Screening Program tests approximately 261,000 samples from nearly 225,000 newborns. Each sample is screened for 50 disorders.

Research

State-of-the-art diagnostic testing capabilities rely on the latest research findings and access to the latest technologies. This allows for the rapid application of novel concepts or emerging technologies to public health threats. Research conducted in the Biodefense Laboratory fosters collaboration with other scientists at Wadsworth Center and from institutions conducting related investigations, the primary goals of which are:

Acceptable Samples – Credibility Assessment

All environmental biothreat samples, collected appropriately and packaged by a certified individual, must be analyzed by a New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) accredited testing facility.