Schwefelwasserstoff – Bestimmung von Thiosulfat in Urin mittels GC‑MS

Abstract

The working group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area developed and verified the presented biomonitoring method. The method described herein allows for the sensitive and sufficiently precise determination of thiosulfate in human urine as a marker of hydrogen sulfide exposure. Samples are derivatised using pentafluorobenzyl bromide and extracted into iodine ethyl acetate solution. Analysis is conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Calibration is carried out with calibration standards prepared in pooled urine from individuals with no known exposure to hydrogen sulfide. The calibration standards are processed analogously to the samples to be analysed. The method is specific and sensitive, and its quantitation limit of 0.22 mg/l is sufficient to determine both occupational and background exposure to hydrogen sulfide.