National Seafood Inspection Laboratory - Analytical Chemistry and Seafood Safety
The National Seafood Inspection Laboratory provides comprehensive analytical testing to support the NOAA Fisheries Seafood Inspection Program.
The National Seafood Inspection Laboratory conducts analytical testing of both domestic and imported fishery products, while ensuring compliance with global safety standards.
Trace Element and Heavy Metal Analysis
We use ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry and atomic fluorescence to detect elements at parts-per-trillion levels.
- Thermo® iCAP RQ ICP-MS: A robust trace mass spectrometer for multi-element detection and characterization across diverse sample matrices.
- ESI PrepFAST IC: Integrated auto-dilution in tandem with ICP-MS for high-throughput.
- Nippon MA Series Mercury Analyzer: Direct measurement of total mercury via thermal decomposition.
- PS Analytical Atomic Fluorescence: Dedicated quantitative analysis for selenium.
Organic Compounds and Veterinary Drugs
Our chromatography suite identifies and quantifies complex organic compounds, including toxins and prohibited residues.
- Agilent® 1290 UHPLC/6495A Tandem MS: An exceedingly sensitive system for the precise identification of veterinary drugs, organic toxins, and environmental contaminants.
- Agilent HPLC (Reverse/Normal Phase): Specialized methods for organic compounds.
- ELISA Analysis: AOAC Performance Tested methods for rapid screening of histamine, nitrofurans and chloramphenicol.
Specialized Assays
We maintain unique capabilities for reading complex assays and detection in seafood tissues.
- Hidex Sense Multimode Microplate Reader: High-capacity support for fluorescence, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence assays.
- Hitachi F-2700 Spectrophotometer: Traditional fluorescence and low-temperature phosphorescence analysis.
Wet Chemistry and Gravimetric Analysis
Foundation-level testing for physical properties and chemical additives.
- Sulfite Analysis: Specialized wet chemistry methodologies for bisulfites in shrimp.
- Physical Testing: gravimetric methods for Moisture Analysis, Net Contents (Weight), and packaging verification.
Summary of Analytical Targets
- Heavy Metals: Mercury, Cadmium, Selenium
- Toxins/Drugs: Histamines, Nitrofurans, Chloramphenicol, Algal Toxins
- Quality Indicators: Bisulfites (Sulfites), Moisture Content, Net Weight