An Assessment of the Material Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Fiscal Year 2023 (2023) / Chapter Skim
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5 Biomolecular Measurement Division
Pages 30-37

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From page 30...
... The core competencies are built around methods for biomolecular measurements including mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry data analysis and library development, separations, biophysical methods, capillary electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction techniques, genome sequencing, and production and validation of standard research materials and research-grade material standards. The key focus areas of programmatic activity in the Biomolecular Measurement Division include mass spectrometry to support other projects and Reference Library expansion, forensics (genetics and drugs of abuse)
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From page 31...
... This variability is significant as there are clinical guidelines that supply urine albumin cutoff values for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. MML will partner with external laboratories to develop reference measurement procedures using the albumin standard reference material for calibration.
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From page 32...
... legal system. The applied genetics technical programs focus on meeting national goals by supporting current legacy technologies as well as providing standard reference materials and validating processes to be used with newly emerging technologies such as the next generation sequencing of forensically relevant genetic loci.
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From page 33...
... Forensics The Biomolecular Measurement Division has a portfolio of scientists that are considered leaders in the global forensic genetics community and are well recognized in the field through their publications, presentations, and workshops. The applied genetics scientists support the organization's mission by providing best methods to interpret data through focused research on rapid DNA analysis, mixture interpretation, development of novel genetic markers, validation studies of new instrumentation and forensic genetic test kits, and coordination of interlaboratory studies associated with measurement of genetic data.
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From page 34...
... BUDGET, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND HUMAN RESOURCES In fiscal year 2023 the budget of the Biomolecular Measurement Division was $36 million -- 61 percent of this comes from appropriations; 32 percent from providing standard reference materials and data and a working capital fund; and 7 percent from reimbursable work for other federal agencies. All of the groups in the Biomolecular Measurement Division are generating tremendous amounts of data.
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From page 35...
... However, temperature fluctuations already threaten the quality of the mass spectrometry data, which is critical for a key NIST product, the Mass Spectrometry Data Library. These mass spectrometry instruments are very sensitive to temperature changes; if the room temperature varies too much -- e.g., between 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit -- the mass spectrometers may produce erroneous results as the spectral peaks will be shifted.
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From page 36...
... Recommendation 5-3: The Biomolecular Measurement Division should increase laboratory automation to support critical steps in production of standard products and processes. EFFECTIVENESS OF DISSEMINATION EFFORTS The Biomolecular Measurement Division disseminates its results in multiple ways: research publications, conference presentations, round-robin trials with customers, workshops, staff participation in standards groups, and the production of standard products -- both the well-characterized standard reference materials for which NIST is well known and now research-grade standards.
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From page 37...
... For biomanufacturing workforce development activities, instructional information related to using BMD standards and standard processes could be provided to educational and professional groups providing training for biomanufacturing. Dissemination of information about how often BMD's published validation studies, research findings, and standard reference materials are used by the stakeholders in forensic activities could increase the appreciation of the value they provide to the legal community.
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Key Terms

  • biomolecular measurement
  • mass spectrometry
  • standard reference
  • reference materials
  • applied genetics

  • spectrometry data
  • measurement laboratory
  • material measurement
  • albumin standard
  • reference material

  • genetic markers
  • genetic loci
  • urine albumin
  • technical programs
  • workforce development

  • analytical methods
  • nucleic acid
  • measurement science
  • using mass
  • biomolecular measurements

  • providing standard
  • reference library
  • investigative genetic
  • spectrometry libraries
  • forensic laboratories

  • forensic investigative
  • genetic genealogy
  • nist chinese
  • forensic stakeholders
  • forensic scientists


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