Research Topic

Standardized Analytical Methods

During a homeland security emergency, rapidly determining the type and extent of contamination may require large numbers of samples to be analyzed by many laboratories. To ensure that the laboratories generate comparable results, they must use a consistent set of methods. In fact, Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 9 requires the development of a nationwide, interconnected network of federal and state laboratories that integrate resources, and use standardized analytical procedures when supporting responses to homeland security incidents.  

To facilitate the development of this network, NHSRC has prepared Standardized Analytical Methods for Environmental Restoration Following Homeland Security Events (SAM). EPA formed a workgroup of its own experts and those of other agencies to create this manual. These experts reviewed many analytical methods, seeking to balance the use of existing techniques and methodologies against the goal of obtaining consistent results. The workgroup selected methods for measuring biological, chemical, and radiological agents in a variety of sample types, such as solids, drinking water, and air.

Revision 4.0 of SAM includes a refined list of 207 agents of concern and new information on surface wipe sampling for chemicals. Additionally, some chemical, pathogen, and biotoxin names and methods have been changed to reflect the most currently available data. The method summaries have been reformatted for better readability and ease of use. They now clearly indicate analytical purpose, preparation and determinative techniques, a short description of the method, and any special considerations.  The summaries also describe the purpose for which the method was developed, and the specific use for which it was selected for SAM.

EPA has developed a searchable website at www.epa.gov/sam. In addition to a SAM Methods Query that permits searches of chemical, radiochemical, pathogen, and biotoxin analytical methods, the site also has links to technical contacts, full documentation of laboratory methods when available, and related links.

EPA has also been developing and validating standardized analytical protocols and sample collection procedures based on methods in the manual. The protocols explain how to collect, preserve, prepare, and analyze samples. EPA also intends to work with other government agencies and the private sector to identify gaps in research and establish a laboratory accreditation system.