Determination of VX-G Analogue in Red Blood Cells via Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Following an Accidental Exposure to VX

6600 W. Touhy Ave.
Niles, IL 60714
Tel: 847.647.2900
Fax: 847.647.1155
circulation@jatox.com

Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, ISSN 0146-4760, Volume 32, Number 1, January/February, pp.73-77

Determination of VX-G Analogue in Red Blood Cells via Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Following an Accidental Exposure to VX
Jeffrey M. McGuire, James T. Taylor, Christopher E. Byers, Edward M. Jakubowski, and Sandra A. Thomson
U.S. Army Edgewood CB Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5424

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.

Reproduction of editorial content of this journal is prohibited without publisher’s permission.

This article is available in its entirety by fax for $40.00 each.
Visa, MasterCard and AMEX accepted.

To order electronically click here
or call: 847-647-2900 ext. 1323
or fax request to: 847-647-1155.

To order multiple copies click here.

Please indicate JAT volume and issue along with page numbers.