Development of LC/MS Methods to be used in Decontamination Research with CW Agents

摘要

Analytical methods using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of CWAs in decontamination formulations were developed and validated. Various parameters were investigated, including mass spectrometer parameter optimization, investigation of ionization matrix effects, chromatographic separation, use of internal standard type compounds, linearity, carry over and precision. The sampling design for decon experiments was also investigated and modified to ensure accurate results. The methods are suitable for the agents GF and GD, and the decon formulations RSDL and British Decon using F54. The final methods allow detection of agents in decon formulation samples using dilution as the only sample preparation step ('dilute and shoot'). As such, the methods will provide accurate identification and quantitation of agents in real time to test decon formulation efficacy. Generic protocols for adapting the developed methods for use with other agents and decon formulations were also prepared.