Multianalyte quantification of five sesqui- and ethyl ether oxy-mustard metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

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.