Laboratory
CAUSTIC OR CORROSIVE AGENTS

Agent Overview:			Caustic or corrosive agents (acids or bases) are used in many different 
				types of manufacturing, cleaning and testing. Dermal and ocular exposure 
				can result in local irritation or burn injury, ranging from minor to severe 
				depending on the material and concentration. Inhalation of corrosive gases 
				might result in upper and lower respiratory irritation, leading to stridor, 
				dyspnea, wheezing, and pulmonary edema. Ingestion can cause direct injury 
				to tissue upon exposure and may include oral pain, ulcerations, drooling,
				dysphasia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. 

				Decontamination of patients may be needed prior to sample collection. No 
				biologic marker for exposure available; however, detection of caustic or 
				corrosive agents in environmental samples is available for select materials.
   
Lab Specimen Submittal:		Authorization by Dr. Jane Getchell, Director DPHL; Christina Pleasanton, 
				Deputy Director DPHL; or Tara Lydick, Chemical Terrorism Coordinator. 

Types of Specimens		Clinical Specimens: Follow CDC’s Specimen-Collection Protocol for a
Necessary for Testing:		Chemical-Exposure Event (urine: 25 mL- 50 mL in screw-cap container; 
				whole blood: 3x4 mL purple top vacuum-filled (EDTA) tubes, 1x5 mL gray or 
				green top vacuum-filled tubes, 2 empty containers for each lot # submitted). 

				Environmental Samples: Collect a minimum of a pea-sized amount of 
				material. Collect solids in 50 mL centrifuge tubes and liquids in certified clean 
				glass containers. Provide empty control containers for each sample type 
				submitted.

Packaging Instructions:		Clinical Specimens: Ship to DPHL as a Biological Substance, Category B 
				(Packing Instruction 650). Freeze urine specimen on collection, ship on dry 
				ice. Refrigerate whole blood specimens on collection, but do not freeze.

				Environmental Samples: Place the packaged sample containers in a 
				secondary unbreakable container.

				All: Use a minimum of two layers of initialed and dated tamper-proof, 
				waterproof forensic evidence tape for each submission. Avoid covering the 
				sample labels.

Receiving Specimens		Authorized specimens are received at the rear (loading dock) entrance of 
at DPHL:			the laboratory. Submitters must present ID and have proper forms completed.

Handling of Specimens:		Chain of custody procedures must be followed. Chain of Custody and 
				Request for Testing Forms are required for all specimens.

Reporting Results:		Reference laboratory will notify DPHL as soon as possible. The Potential 
				Exposure and Information Call Log and Information Form will provide 
				information for testing results notification outside of the DPHL.

Contact Information:		Jane Getchell, DrPH, DPHL Director: 302-223-1520 (24/7 coverage).



24/7 Emergency Contact Number:  1-888-295-5156
Revised: 05/2010