The following analytes are routinely analyzed in biological samples:

Analyte
Instrument
Method Reference
Metals
ICP-MS
EPA Method 6020
Methyl Mercury
CVAF
EPA Method 1630
Mercury
Various
EPA Method 7473, 245.6, 1631E
PCB Aroclors
GC-ECD
EPA Method 8082
PCB Congeners
HR-GC-MS
EPA Method 1668
Organochlorine Pesticides
GC-ECD
EPA Method 8081
PAHs
GC-MS-SIM
EPA Method 8270-SIM
Dioxins/Furans
HR-GC-MS
EPA Method 1613, 8290
PBDEs
HR-GC-MS
EPA Method 1614
Lipids (fat content)
In House SOP
Percent Moisture
In House SOP

Organic Analysis

Unlike soils which can effectively be extracted by ultrasonic disruption of a soil/solvent mixture, tissues require a more exhaustive, extraction technique. Analysis of samples is done according to Pace’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), derived from EPA methods noted in the above table.

Inorganic Analysis

Tissue samples may require metals analysis by:

  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS)
  • Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA)Cold Vapor Atomic Flourescence (CVAF)

Methods and Hold Times

There are no absolute guidelines on holding times for tissue samples once they are frozen. Different sources have different recommendations. Some projects specify holding times, and if possible, we will try to meet those, but we consider the holding time to be one year from collection if the samples are kept frozen.