A rapid, sensitive method for the quantitation of specific metabolites of sulfur mustard in human urine using isotope-dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

J Anal Toxicol. 2004 Jul-Aug;28(5):339-45. doi: 10.1093/jat/28.5.339.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Warfare Agents / analysis
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / poisoning*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Humans
  • Isotope Labeling
  • Mustard Gas / analysis
  • Mustard Gas / poisoning*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sulfones / urine*
  • Sulfoxides / urine*
  • Urinalysis

Substances

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Sulfones
  • Sulfoxides
  • 1,1'-sulfonylbis(2-(methylsulfinyl)ethane)
  • Mustard Gas