Procedure for monitoring exposure to sulfur mustard based on modified edman degradation of globin.

ABSTRACT

A procedure for the modified Edman degradation of globin for determination of sulfur mustard adducts to the N-terminal valine residue in human hemoglobin has been developed for use under field laboratory conditions. The minimum detectable exposure level of human blood (in vitro) to sulfur mustard using this procedure is 100 nM. The interindividual and intraindividual variabilities of the procedure were acceptable (standard deviation < 10% and < 20%, respectively). The procedure could be properly set up and carried out in another laboratory within one working day, demonstrating its robustness.