Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, ISSN 0146-4760, Volume 32, Number 1, January/February, pp.44-50

Multianalyte Quantification of Five Sesqui- and Ethyl Ether Oxy-Mustard Metabolites in Human Urine by Liquid Chromatography–Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Doris H. Ash, Sharon W. Lemire, Sara C. McGrath, Lisa G. McWilliams, and John R. Barr*
Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia

Sesqui- and oxy-mustards pose a significant threat to military forces and civilians because they are potent vesicants. We have developed an isotope-dilution high-performance liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization- tandem mass spectrometry method utilizing negative ion multiple reaction monitoring for the analysis of sesqui-mustard metabolites bis(2-hydroxyethylthio)alkanes (n = 1–5) and oxy-mustard metabolite bis(2-hydroxyethylthioethyl)ether in human urine. Relative standard deviations were < 10% and the reportable limits of detection were 1 ng/mL in 0.5 mL of urine. We applied this method to 100 samples collected from individuals with no known exposure to sesqui- or oxy-mustards, and no urines showed detectable levels of any of the analytes, suggesting that these metabolites may be used for monitoring exposure to sesqui- and oxy-mustards.

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