Rapid Toxic Screen

CDC's Environmental Health Laboratory develops analytical methods to measure, in people, substances such as chemicals and toxins, which could be used in acts of terrorism. The laboratory developed and performs the Rapid Toxic Screen, which is a series of tests that analyzes people's blood and urine and determines the levels of 150 chemicals likely to be used by terrorists. Chemicals that can be measured include biomarkers of nerve agents, blistering agents, cyanide-based compounds, pesticides, metals, incapacitating agents, and other chemicals that can cause significant disease or death. Results of the Rapid Toxic Screen identify which chemicals were used, who was exposed to the chemicals, and how much of a particular chemical their bodies absorbed. This information is critical to medical and public health personnel managing the care of people exposed during a terrorist event as well as managing the care of people who believe that they were exposed to a deadly chemical agent.