Analysis of perchlorate in human urine using ion chromatography and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.
Because of health concerns surrounding widespread exposure to perchlorate, we developed a sensitive and selective method for quantifying perchlorate in human urine using ion chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Perchlorate was quantified using a stable isotope-labeled internal standard ((18)O(4)-perchlorate) with excellent assay precision (coefficient of variation <5% for repetitively analyzed quality control material). Analytical accuracy was established by blind analysis of certified proficiency testing materials prepared in synthetic urine matrix; calculated amounts deviated minimally from true amounts, with percent differences ranging from 2% to 5%. Selective chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry reduced the need for sample cleanup, resulting in a rugged and rapid method capable of routinely analyzing 75 samples/day. The lowest reportable level (0.025 ng/mL) was sufficiently sensitive to detect perchlorate in all human urine samples evaluated to date, with a linear response range from 0.025 to 100 ng/mL. This selective, sensitive, and rapid method will help elucidate any potential associations between human exposure to low levels of perchlorate and adverse health effects.
Valentín-Blasini
Liza
L
Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
Mauldin
Joshua P
JP
Maple
David
D
Blount
Benjamin C
BC
D000328:Adult; D002138:Calibration; D002677:Chile; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D010472:Perchlorates / Q000652:urine*; D011786:Quality Control; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry
D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D010472:Perchlorates; C494474:perchlorate