The Inorganic Chemistry Unit tests a variety of samples for lead:

• Foods
• Spices
• Ceremonial makeup
• Toys
• Paint

Lead is a toxin that is dangerous to the nervous system. A lead investigation occurs in response to a patient having elevated blood lead levels.

The unit also tests private well drinking water for toxins like arsenic, nitrates and mercury.

We use a combination of classic chemistry and complex analytical instrumentation.

The Organic Chemistry Unit tests the quality of private well drinking water for toxins like:

• Petroleum
• VOCs
• Herbicides
• Pesticides

We primarily use mass spectrometry in our work.

The Radiochemistry Unit routinely tests various samples for harmful radiation:

• Air
• Water
• Soil
• Milk
• Plant life
• Animal life

We test for both man-made and naturally occurring harmful radioactive particles. This includes gamma radiation and alpha/beta particles.

The lab analyzes water samples for tritium and radon.

We test environmental samples collected from sites around nuclear power plants. We test sites both within North Carolina and outside our state's borders. Accidental releases at these sites might post immediate threat to our citizens, so routine testing is key.

The Wastewater Surveillance Unit tests wastewater from select treatment plants across North Carolina.

We receive the weekly samples from partners throughout the state. We use molecular diagnostics, including sequencing, to detect levels of virus particles. We test for SARS-CoV-2, RSV and Flu A and B.

People who have one of these viruses shed viral particles in their stool. Testing wastewater for these particles helps us track virus trends within a community.

Through testing, we measure the amount of virus in a community-wide sample to see if levels are increasing, decreasing or the same over time. NCDHHS uses this information to get an accurate picture of COVID, RSV and flu in NC and to determine response.

Our unit is working to expand this testing to additional viral surveillance.

Visit our Wastewater Monitoring Dashboard

More about the Wastewater Surveillance Unit:

• NCDHHS Expands COVID-19 Data Dashboard; Includes Wastewater Monitoring to Detect COVID-19 Spread (May 21, 2021)
• NCDHHS Doubles Wastewater Monitoring Sites to Track COVID-19 Spread (July 22, 2021)
• NC Wastewater Monitoring Data Now Included in CDC COVID Data Tracker, Program Expanded in Wake County (Feb. 4, 2022)

The Environmental Microbiology Unit tests private well drinking water for bacteria like E. coli.

The presence of potentially harmful bacteria indicates fecal contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also certified our laboratory to test grade A milk products for certification quality. We assess pasteurization and test for bacteria, antibiotic residues and somatic cells.

We also work to ensure the state meets federal requirements, like the Safe Drinking Water Act. Our Laboratory Certification auditors inspect and certify 200-plus laboratories in NC for compliance. They perform on-site audits and check proficiency tests for each certifiable object of analysis.