Organophosphate Nerve Agent Metabolites (OPNA) in Serum

Brief Description

This LC-MS-MS method is for the detection of metabolites in serum after exposure to organophosphate nerve agents sarin (GB), soman (GD), cyclohexylsarin (GF), Russian VX (rVX) and VX.  The method utilizes isotopically labeled standards to detect and quantify metabolites GB acid (methylphosphonic acid, isopropyl ester), GD acid (methylphosphonic acid, 1, 2, 2-trimethylpropyl ester), GF acid (methyl phosphonic acid, monocyclohexyl ester), rVX acid (methyl phosphonic acid, 2-methylpropyl ester) and VX acid (methylphosphonic acid, monoethyl ester). 

Laboratory Unit

Chemical Threat

Methodology

LC-MS/MS

Specimen Collection

Whole Blood/Serum:

1-2 mL in red, green, or purple top tubes.

Storage/Transport

Consultation is required with GPHL Emergency Response Coordinator Req 24/7 contact number: 866-782-4584.

Whole Blood/Serum can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.

• FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Whole blood/serum

Test Request

• GPHL Apollo Web Portal
• Web Portal Instructions
• For manual orders, download the GPHL Submission Form

Possible Results

• 5 µg/L – 200 µg/L
• Not detected
• Unsatisfactory
• PGC (Present but greater than highest calibrator)

Reference Range

Not detected

Unacceptable Conditions

• Missing testing requisition
• Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
• No specimen received (empty collection tube).
• Specimen leaked or was damaged or crushed in transit.
• Wrong type of specimen submitted.
• Patient identifier on specimen does not match that on form.
• Low volume (<0.25 mL Whole blood)  
• Insufficient specimen volume (less than 1.5 mL).

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-3 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

54097-1 (Order code: CT051100)