Chemistry Laboratory
The Chemistry Laboratory technical staff provides toxicology support for diagnostic cases, including metal analysis (primarily lead), screening for organophosphate and carbamate pesticide exposure, and other toxicants. The Chemistry Laboratory is also the main conduit for submission of toxicology to external laboratories.
Chemistry Laboratory Capabilities
Toxicology support for diagnostic cases:
- Analysis of tissues for metals toxicity (i.e., lead, sodium, copper, zinc, cadmium, thallium) by microwave digestion/ Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emissions Spectrometry.
- Organophosphate/carbamate pesticide exposure testing by use of brain cholinesterase assay.
- Other toxicant/poison exposure (e.g., strychnine and cyanide analysis by UV/Vis spectrophotometry; aflatoxin analysis in feed/UGI by thin layer chromatography).
- Sourcing of appropriate analyses for which in-house capabilities are not present through a network of state veterinary diagnostic laboratories and/or other fee-for-service laboratories.
Chemistry Diagnostic Tests
The following is a reference guide to commonly requested tests. It is not a full list of testing capabilities of the laboratories. Determination of which test will be run on any given submission will be based on case history, gross findings at necropsy, and the scientific judgment of the case pathologist.
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