Radiological Analysis

The State Public Health Laboratory supports testing of drinking water, food/beverages, and atmospheric monitoring.

All samples that are accepted for testing at the State Public Health Laboratory must meet the following criteria:

1. All samples must be pre-screened by a certified HazMat team with survey meter to estimate radiological hazard.
2. Samples must not register on survey meter above 20,000 CPM (e.g. 2 MR/hr, 2 mrem/hr, or 0.01 mSv/hr). This is the laboratory’s acceptable radioactive level. All samples registering above 20,000 CPM will not be accepted and not enter the SPHL building.
3. Samples must be packaged in such a way as to eliminate exposure risk of contents to any handlers. All packages must be sealed, labeled, and accompanied with appropriate paper work.

Drinking Water

Radiological analysis of private drinking water supplies may be conducted in circumstances where pubic health is threatened. All radiological samples must be initiated and submitted with approval from the State Public Health Laboratory.

• Samples must be submitted by an Environmental Public Health Specialist or Environmental Specialist employed by a Public Health Agency for analysis.
  For a listing of local public health agencies online go to: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/LPHA/PublicHealthAgencies.html
• Samples must be submitted in collection devices provided by the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).
• Complete and submit a Private Water Supply Collection Form with each water sample.

Available Water Tests

• Radiological Analysis of Water (A four-liter collapsible container)
  Gross Alpha/Beta, Radium-226/228, Uranium, Gamma Emitters, Tritium, Strontium-89/90, Radon.

To order supplies contact us.

The State Public Health Laboratory conducts monitoring of private drinking water sources in areas surrounding hazardous waste sites that potentially may be at risk for radiological contamination. This program is conducted exclusively with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Section for Environmental Public Health. Samples are not accepted from the general public.

Food and Beverages

The State Public Health Laboratory is partnering with the FDA Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) to develop capacity to respond to a public health emergency in a radiological event. This capacity will augment the State Public Health Laboratory with the ability to analyze food/beverage samples for the presence of various radiological contaminants.

Contact us for more information.

Food Specimen Information Sheet

Atmospheric Monitoring

The State Public Health Laboratory participates in EPA programs to develop and maintain capabilities to conduct routine and emergency surveillance of the atmosphere for radiological contaminants.

Radiological Sample Collection Information

Contact us for all radiological laboratory testing inquiries.

All radiological samples must be initiated and submitted with approval from the State Public Health Laboratory.

Specimen collection supplies must be obtained from the State Public Health Laboratory after approval for collection has been granted.

Food/Beverage minimum sample collection amounts for radiological analysis are density dependant, contact us.

Shipping and collection procedures and forms are available by contacting us.