How Fish Are Analyzed

SELS uses EPA or FDA derived methods to analyze fish for contaminants.  Biopsy samples from individual fish are used when analyzing for mercury.  These samples require no special preparation and are introduced directly into the instrument for analysis.  For other contaminants, fillets from multiple fish of the same species are combined to create a single sample.  These samples require a series complex preparation steps to get them ready to analyze.  SELS analysts require extensive training before being assigned to analyze fish.