The joint exercise was conducted with the Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks, chaired by the Department of Homeland Security, which coordinates federally sponsored analytical laboratory services for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents. It is made up of a total of nine federal agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency.

Thanks to EML Chemist Nam-Phuong Nguyen, who managed the exercise for the lab, the EML successfully completed the receipt, analysis and reporting of 200 samples within three business days, well ahead of the reporting goal for the exercise.

“Phuong embraced the opportunity to participate and highlight our analytical method,” Schwarz said. “This exercise was voluntary. We volunteered to participate because of the importance of demonstrating our capabilities even at no cost. Successfully participating in exercises like this can potentially produce future funded work.”

In past experiences, these types of exercises have been primarily table-top simulation exercises as opposed to real-life testing and reporting. This was the first known exercise of its kind that emphasized actual laboratory demonstration of capability.

Spiked matrices (blinds) were prepared for participating laboratory networks, the Defense Laboratory Network (DLN), Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) and EPA Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN). FERN labs tested the milk, the ERLN labs tested the water, and the DLN tested either based on the labs’ capabilities. However, the EML was the only participating laboratory to receive both substances for testing.

The EML previously developed and validated an analytical method for Malathion in various substances, such as powders, for the DHS. “This exercise was seen as not only an opportunity to evaluate our analytical method,” Schwarz said, “but also as an opportunity to highlight the laboratory’s readiness to support the nation in a time of crisis.”