BRIAN WELS: brian-wels@uiowa.edu
The Hygienic Laboratory is the central testing
laboratory for Iowa Department of Public Health’s
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. As
such, the Blood Lead section tests for the presence
of lead in humans, and is the state’s reference
laboratory for confirmation of all capillary lead
screening results.
The primary instrument used to screen blood
specimens is a graphite furnace atomic absorption
spectrometer. The Hygienic Laboratory also has the
capability of using more sensitive multi-elemental techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry to detect low levels of lead and other
potentially toxic metals such as cadmium, arsenic
and mercury from the same blood specimen. Results
from these instruments are analyzed by laboratory
scientists to confirm the level of lead from venous
blood specimens. Recent technological advancements in point-of-care
testing allows health care providers to test blood for
levels of lead. However, because of the significant
public health threat from lead poisoning, the Hygienic
Laboratory maintains the capability to provide both
screening and confirmatory testing for IDPH.
Other Units in Disease Control
The Office of the Director consists of 10 key functional units that enable the State Hygienic Laboratory to achieve its statutory charge set forth in the Iowa Administrative Code.
The primary mission of the Disease Control Division is to test human specimens, food and water for diseases of public health significance to protect the citizens of Iowa.
The Environmental Health Division monitors drinking water, wastewater, air, soil and food for contaminants of potential environmental and public health concern.
The Division of Administration and Finance is responsible for the management of the business practices, all Hygienic Laboratory facilities, and pre/post testing support.