New Mexico PFAS Blood Testing

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of nationwide concern for several reasons. These synthetic chemicals are highly persistent and toxic; they have been found in numerous drinking water supplies and private wells, including in New Mexico; and most people in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood. In response to community concerns about exposure to PFAS in drinking water around Cannon Air Force Base, the state committed to conducting PFAS public health surveillance near the base. The state selected ERG to provide technical, logistical, and communications support to design and implement a surveillance program (PFAS blood testing) from the ground up. 

ERG partnered with the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health to build a PFAS blood surveillance project near Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. ERG scheduled and conducted nearly 650 blood draw appointments across three week-long clinics. We first developed a protocol that detailed project objectives, intended data uses, strategies for recruiting participants, eligibility criteria, blood sampling methodologies, exposure history questions, sample shipment and tracking, privacy protections, and data management. We subsequently prepared standard operating procedures, a health and safety plan, an infectious waste management plan, and an exposure history questionnaire. 

ERG then supported community engagement efforts, including preparation of communications materials for New Mexico agency officials, and managed all aspects of project recruitment and enrollment. We secured and fully operated three separate blood sampling clinics and processed and shipped serum samples to a subcontracted laboratory. ERG performed a data quality review of the laboratory analytical data, and we prepared and sent results letters to participants via certified mail or encrypted email. We conducted statistical analyses of the results and submitted a final report to the New Mexico agencies.