A rapid, sensitive method for the quantitation of specific metabolites of sulfur mustard in human urine using isotope-dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Sulfur mustard agent (HD) (2,2'-dichloroethyl sulfide), a Schedule I compound on the Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule of Chemicals, remains a public health concern because it is simple to synthesize and it is in the chemical weapon stockpiles of several countries. A sensitive, rapid, accurate, and precise method was developed to quantitate trace levels of 1,1'-sulfonylbis [2-(methylthio) ethane] (SBMTE) in human urine as a means of assessing exposure to HD. The method used immobilized liquid-liquid extraction with diatomaceous earth, followed by the analysis of the urine extract using isotope-dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Relative standard deviations were less than 8.6% at 1 ng/mL and 3.6% at 20 ng/mL. The limit of detection for SBMTE was 0.038 ng/mL in 0.5 mL of urine.
Young
Carrie L
CL
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-47, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
Ash
Doris
D
Driskell
W J
WJ
Boyer
Anne E
AE
Martinez
Rodolfo A
RA
Silks
L A
LA
Barr
John R
JR
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007553:Isotope Labeling; D009151:Mustard Gas / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013450:Sulfones / Q000652:urine*; D013454:Sulfoxides / Q000652:urine*; D016482:Urinalysis
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D013450:Sulfones; D013454:Sulfoxides; C073452:1,1'-sulfonylbis(2-(methylsulfinyl)ethane); D009151:Mustard Gas