"The current need for SARS-COV-2 wastewater surveillance programs globally requires many laboratories to set up routine wastewater testing workflows. However, existing workflows are often too slow, tedious, or not sensitive enough to detect low viral levels.

We have developed a fast, sensitive, and easy-to-implement wastewater surveillance laboratory workflow that gets from samples to results in less than 4 hours. First, our unique direct nucleic acid capture method efficiently concentrates nucleic acids and removes PCR-inhibitor to achieve consistent and high yield, ideal for downstream PCR and sequencing methods. Then, wastewater-specific RT-qPCR assays are used to detect SARS-CoV-2 levels. These assays are sensitive, inhibitor-tolerant, and include standards and quality controls according to CDC and EU recommendations.

In this webinar, we will highlight the features of these methods, share validation data, and present a real-world example of how the workflow was setup in a public health lab."

"Most of the serum PFAS testing in the US has been conducted via the CDC NHANES studies (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). NHANES is now an ongoing process and while some PFAS serum concentrations have decreased significantly, other PFAS have only increased.

The need for blood testing will only continue to grow, well past the scope of the Federal government, with ever expanding lists of PFAS replacement and next-generation compounds already being found in the blood of citizens. As additional insight into the toxicological aspects is better understood, current blood testing can provide a snapshot into one’s own PFAS body burden. Even in areas in the US not impacted by industrial PFAS contamination, the food and water consumed can have a significant impact on the level of serum PFAS.

Eurofins PFAS bio-testing is designed to monitor environmental contaminants utilizing isotope dilution, the most robust and respected analytical technique. This technique is paired with a dedicated human serum lab as well as instrumentation specifically reserved for serum samples to ensure rapid and accurate results. Eurofins development of a self-administered PFAS test will allow clients to expedite the testing process by rapidly sampling and shipping samples back to the lab or study coordinator."

"Ten years ago, maximizing flexibility and adding transparency was the major shift to traditional lab design. Today, our labs not only need to be flexible but aspire to attract and retain top talent. This discussion will review case studies and data that support a new shift in laboratory space utilization—one that balances the human component and functionality of protecting the process and material."