Laboratory

The City of Milwaukee Public Health Laboratory is the testing facility for the City of Milwaukee Health Department. A major function of the laboratory is to support the Lead Program and its various activities by conducting analysis on pediatric blood lead testing and environmental lead samples (paint chips, soil, dust, water). Blood lead testing is performed on both capillary (finger stick) and venous puncture blood specimens, with the former being the most common sample collected by the Health Department personnel. Blood lead analysis is performed on these samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy technology. Environmental lead testing includes analysis of lead in paint, soil and dust. The laboratory also tests water for lead content, as well as many other sources from which children may be exposed, such as toys, dishes and pottery. After extraction, lead concentration in environmental samples is measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

The blood lead testing program is OSHA and CLIA approved and is monitored monthly for successful performance on a Blood Lead Proficiency Testing Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered by he Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. The environmental lead program is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and must be maintained by successful performance on a proficiency program known as Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT).