OPCW biomedical proficiency test in the laboratory of analytical chemistry at the Department of toxicology and military pharmacy
Abstract
Taking into account the events of recent years, a risk of exposure to high toxic substances including chemical weapons is not negligible. Therefore the Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence introduced analytical and biological samples (plasma, urine) preparation methods for determination of biomarkers of exposure to nerve agent (sarin, cyclosarin, soman, tabun, VX and VR agent) and sulphur mustard.
Evidence of chemical weapon use is based on detection of their metabolites (Alkyl methylphosphonic acids as metabolites of the organophosphorus nerve agents, thiodiglycol as a metabolite of sulphur mustard) and products of their reactions with biomolecules (tyrosine adducts of organophosphorus nerve agents, sulphur mustard-albumin adducts). Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry are used for determination of biomarkers.
Functionality of described methods is validated and discussed participating in Biomedical proficiency test, which is organized by The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons every year.