Influence of collection and storage materials on glycol ether concentrations in urine and blood

Glycol ethers, such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) and monobuthyl (PGBE) are solvents found in many professional domestic products. In biomonitoring studies, the type of materials used to collect, store, transport these samples can greatly influence analytical results because adsorb analyte. Plastic tubes generally have a hydrophobic internal surface that reduce concentration certain chemicals result an underestimation workers' exposures. The aim this study was assess whether storage PGME PGBE spiked blood urine led different concentrations vials made glass common plastics (polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or polystyrene (PS)). were quantified with headspace gas chromatography equipped flame ionization detector. Our show stable urinary PP, while up 15% variations for PE PS. For blood, we observed no statistically significant losses glass, recorded all types plastic tested (PS, PP PE). We conclude should be collected urine.