Summary
Introduction:
This text describes the development and validation of an ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC – MS/MS) method for the detection and quantitation of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol in urine. This method was developed to analyze urine specimens from users and non-users of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as part of ongoing studies to evaluate urinary propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin concentration as potential indicators of recent e-cigarette use.
Key Points:
* The study developed a UPLC – MS/MS method for the detection and quantitation of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol in urine.
* The method was validated using SWGTOX guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, carryover, and limit of detection.
* The linear range of the method was determined to be 0.5 to 100 mcg/mL for all analytes.
* The bias for all validation controls was within ±20% of the expected concentrations with CVs of <15%.
* a total of 124 urine specimens were analyzed, including 50 specimens from self-reported non-smokers and 74 specimens from self-reported e-cigarette users after 12 hours of abstinence.
* Propylene glycol and glycerol were detected in concentrations ranging from "none detected" to 1470 mcg/mL and "none detected" to 2950 mcg/mL, respectively.
* Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol were not detected in any of the specimens.
Main Message:
The study developed and validated a sensitive and specific UPLC – MS/MS method for the detection and quantitation of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol in urine. This method could be useful in evaluating urinary propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin concentration as potential indicators of recent e-cigarette use. however, further studies are needed to determine whether or not propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin would make suitable biomarkers for identification of e-cigarette use. The lack of detection of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in the specimens suggests that these compounds are not commonly found in e-cigarette formulations or that their concentrations are below the limit of detection of the method.
Citation
Nanco CR, Poklis JL, hiler MM, Breland aB, Eissenberg T, Wolf CE. an Ultra-high-Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the analysis of Benzoyl Ester Derivatized Glycols and Glycerol. Journal of analytical toxicology. 2019;43(9):720-725. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz071
