Laboratory Information for Chemical Emergencies

As lab personnel, you play a crucial role in response to chemical emergencies by collecting, packaging, and shipping specimens to confirm potential chemical exposures. Read on for more information about how to respond safely and effectively during a chemical emergency.

Collect Specimens.

Following a chemical exposure incident, collect blood and urine samples for each adult involved. For children, only collect urine samples unless the CDC says otherwise. View this flowchart for directions on how to collect blood and urine samples from potentially exposed individuals:

• Chemical Exposure Event Specimen Collection

Package and Ship Specimens.

After collecting the samples, package and ship them to the appropriate laboratory destination based on your state’s chemical exposure comprehensive response plan. Follow the CDC’s instructions for how to package and ship specimens found on this website.

If you are instructed to ship your specimen to the CDC laboratory, follow the directions in these flowcharts:

• Instructions for Shipping Blood Specimens to CDC after a Chemical Event
• Instructions for Shipping Urine Specimens to CDC after a Chemical Event

You can find the required paperwork for urine and blood specimens below. Remember, blood tubes and urine cups cannot be shipped together in the same package.

• Chemical Exposure Blood Specimen Collection and Shipping Manifest
• Chemical Exposure Urine Specimen Collection and Shipping Manifest

Ask Questions.

Visit the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) website for a list of public health contacts for laboratory testing to confirm exposure during a potential or known chemical emergency.

The CDC Information Line is another important source of information. For more questions, call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or send an email here.