However, without some confirmation of the exposure estimates through an approved method of
biologic sampling, it is often not possible to validate the accuracy of the exposure assessment.
The CDC is compiling information about the date of onset and duration of the rash; settings of and circumstances surrounding its appearance; the number, age, and sex of affected patients; the appearance and characteristics of the rash; additional signs or symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments; and the investigational methods used (for example, interviews, questionnaires,
biologic sampling, and environmental sampling).
CDC is systematically compiling information about 1) date of onset and duration of rash; 2) settings of and circumstances surrounding the rash's appearance; 3) the number, age, and sex of affected persons; 4) the appearance and characteristics of the rash; 5) additional signs or symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments; and 6) investigational methods used (e.g., interviews or questionnaires,
biologic sampling, and environmental sampling).
Participation of cohort members in environmental and
biologic sampling. Collection of an array of biologic and environmental samples from women during pregnancy and soon after birth places a burden on study participants and may lead to attrition regarding participation in the exposure assessment component of these studies.
Environmental and
biologic sampling methods can identify common mixtures for further study and inform precautionary exposure reduction.
Given the complexity of assessing exposure to nonpersistent pesticides, it is likely that both environmental and
biologic sampling will be needed for many compounds.
Biologic sampling could then be targeted at specifically ranked groups rather than applied to everyone with the same intensity.