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

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.