Bioanalytical and Physiology Support Laboratories 

Yuriko Adkins, Ph.D.

Director

The Bioanalytical and Physiology Support Laboratories at WHNRC provide support for on-site human nutrition studies conducted by WHNRC scientists or in collaboration with outside investigators.  The Bioanalytical Support Laboratory (BSL) collects, processes, and aliquots biospecimens, such as blood, urine, and stool, from study participants according to study specific protocols.  Aliquoted samples are inventoried and tracked using a biospecimen management program and stored in -80^oC freezers until analysis.  The lab is staffed with molecular biologists and chemists who conduct clinical, biochemical, and chemical measurements in biospecimens using cutting-edge technologies and specialized instruments.  The BSL occupies a main instrument lab with biological safety cabinets for blood processing, a urine processing lab, a plate reader lab, and a lab for radioactive experiments. 

The Physiology Support Laboratory (PSL) supports human studies by conducting quantitative assessment of skeletal, liver, and arterial health, and body composition in study participants.  The lab also has the capability to assess pulmonary function, metabolic rate, and energy expenditure, and to conduct cardiopulmonary fitness and physical activity tests.  The lab utilizes fitness equipment, medical diagnostic devices, metabolic measurement systems, and bone density and body composition equipment.

In addition to the activities listed above, the laboratories are responsible for managing analyzed data using a secure data collection tool and maintaining WHNRC’s shared resources and equipment. 

 

Capabilities

• Clinical Chemistry Analyzer

HbA1c, AAGP, albumin, ALKP, ALT, AST, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, creatinine, cystatin C, glucose, HDL, LDL, total protein, TRIG, urea

• Immunoanalyzer

ACTH, C-peptide, cortisol, DHEA-sulfate, estradiol, insulin, ferritin, folate, HCG, IgE II, osteocalcin, progesterone, PTH, T3, T4, TSH, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12

• Hematology Analyzer

CBC with differential

• Microplate Readers

ELISA, single assays

• Multiplex Biomarker Analyzer

Multiplex biomarker assays

• Gamma and Scintillation Counters

Radioactive experiments

• Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometer

Body composition and bone density assessment

• Mobile Metabolic Measurement System

Indirect calorimetry, maximal O2 consumption, and cardiopulmonary stress testing

• Body Composition Analyzer

Body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and body water measurements

• Liver Health Diagnostic Device

Non-invasive steatosis, scarring, and fibrosis assessment

• Arterial Health Diagnostic Device

Non-invasive endothelial function assessment

• Treadmills, Cycle Ergometers, Motion Biosensors, and Heart Rate Monitors

Physical tests

 

Contact

Yuriko Adkins, Ph.D.

Director of Bioanalytical and Physiology Support Laboratories

(530) 723-0492

yuriko.adkins@usda.gov