Determination of VX-G analogue in red blood cells via gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry following an accidental exposure to VX.
A sensitive method for determining exposure to the chemical warfare agent VX is described in which the biomarker ethyl methylphosphonofluoridate (VX-G) is measured in red blood cells (RBCs) following treatment with fluoride ion using isotope-dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analyte was isolated via solid-phase extraction and detected using ammonia chemical ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. A good linear relationship was obtained in the quantitative concentration range of 4 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL with an absolute detection limit of < 1 pg on column. The method has been applied to the analysis of RBCs from a laboratory worker accidentally exposed to VX vapor. Detection and quantitation of VX-G were possible in samples taken as late as 27 days following exposure.
McGuire
Jeffrey M
JM
US Army Edgewood CB Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5424, USA. Jeffrey.mcguire@us.army.mil
Taylor
James T
JT
Byers
Christopher E
CE
Jakubowski
Edward M
EM
Thomson
Sandra M
SM
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology; D005459:Fluorides / Q000737:chemistry; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D052616:Solid Phase Extraction / Q000379:methods; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase; D015415:Biomarkers; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D005459:Fluorides; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds; D017680:Potassium Compounds; C033320:potassium fluoride; C009680:VX-agent