Monolithic spin column extraction and GC-MS for the simultaneous assay of diquat, paraquat, and fenitrothion in human serum and urine

We present a method based on monolitic spin column extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as an analytical method for screening diquat (DQ), paraquat (PQ), and fenitrothion in serum and urine. This method is useful for clinical and forensic toxicological analyses. Recovery of DQ, PQ, and fenitrothion from serum and urine, spiked at concentrations between 0.1, 2.5, 20, and 45 mu g/ml, ranged from 51.3% to 106.1%. Relative standard deviation percentages were between 3.3% and 14.8%. Detection and quantitation limits for serum and urine were 0.025 and 0.05 mu g/ml, respectively, for DQ, 0.1 and 0.1 mu g/ml, respectively, for PQ, and 0.025 and 0.05 mu g/ml, respectively, for fenitrothion. Therefore, these compounds can be detected and quantified in the case of acute poisoning.