Biological monitoring is a way of assessing chemical exposures by measuring the chemical or its breakdown products in urine, blood or breath (usually, although other samples such as hair are possible).  Biological monitoring is particularly useful where chemicals can be significantly absorbed through the skin and where controls rely upon the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks. 

HSE offers free guidance on setting up a biological monitoring workplace scheme (Biological monitoring in the workplace).  HSL can also help you - we run a one-day course on biological monitoring or contact us for further information.  Guidance values are published to help interpret results.

We offer a wide variety of tests to assess chemical exposures (see the Analytical Services list for details, p9-10) and specific details on sampling etc. can be obtained from the laboratory.  Further information on some of the most commonly requested methods are detailed below.

Isocyanates

Drugs of Abuse testing

Breath sampling for Solvents

Cytotoxic Drugs

Arsenic Speciation

Instructions for Despatch of Pathological Samples