Enzyme Biomarker Testing for Environmental Contaminants
In the realm of clinical and healthcare testing, particularly in liver function enzyme assays, the detection and quantification of specific biomarkers play a critical role in diagnosing various conditions. This service focuses on providing accurate and reliable analysis of enzyme biomarkers associated with environmental contaminants, which can have profound implications for public health and safety.
Environmental contaminants such as heavy metals (like lead, mercury), organic compounds (such as polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs) and other hazardous substances pose significant risks to human health. These contaminants can accumulate in the body, particularly in vital organs like the liver, where they may affect enzyme activity, leading to functional alterations. By measuring these changes through biomarkers, healthcare professionals gain insights into the potential impact of environmental exposures.
Our service employs advanced analytical techniques that are capable of detecting even trace levels of such contaminants and their metabolites in biological samples like serum or urine. This precision is essential for early detection and monitoring of health risks associated with environmental pollutants. The methodology involves sample collection, preparation, extraction, and analysis using state-of-the-art instrumentation.
The primary goal of this service is to aid in the diagnosis and management of conditions resulting from environmental exposures by providing quantitative data on enzyme activity changes. This information can be instrumental for healthcare providers in formulating treatment plans and assessing patient recovery. Additionally, the results can inform public health policies aimed at reducing exposure risks.
The analytical methods used include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for quantification. These techniques ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability, making them suitable for both clinical diagnostics and research applications.
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 17025 | Ensures the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. |
| ASTM E1649-18 | Standard practice for collection, preservation, pre-treatment, and shipping of biological specimens. |
| IEC 62305-1 | Provides guidelines for the safe use of electrical equipment in medical environments. |
Audited Compliance with Relevant Standards
To ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability, our laboratory adheres strictly to international standards. These include ISO 17025 for ensuring laboratory competence, ASTM E1649-18 for specimen handling, and IEC 62305-1 for safety in medical environments. Compliance with these standards guarantees that the results of our enzyme biomarker testing are valid and can be trusted by healthcare professionals.
Environmental and Sustainability Contributions
- Early detection of environmental contaminants helps in preventing chronic diseases, thereby reducing healthcare costs.
- The service aids in the development of targeted interventions to mitigate health risks associated with pollution.
- By providing accurate data on enzyme activity changes, our tests contribute to more effective public health policies and practices.
Use Cases and Application Examples
- In occupational medicine, this service helps assess the impact of workplace pollutants on employees' health.
- For environmental toxicologists, it offers critical data for assessing the bioaccumulation of contaminants in ecosystems.
- In public health research, our tests support studies aimed at understanding long-term effects of pollution exposure.
