Human exposure analytical considerations

LC/tandem MS. However, a major challenge is the development of sensitive methods that can be performed on the more routine instruments found in most analytical laboratories rather than the very expensive instruments used for research. Another factor that requires consideration is the availability of analytical standards. The most encouraging aspect is that, in combination with the analysis of covalent adducts (see following chapter), there is now a high probability of confirming cases of human exposure to CW agents provided that appropriate samples are collected. 

If animals or humans are exposed to pharmaceutical compounds, they will either elicit a pharmacodynamic effect, e.g., show a suppression of blood pressure, or reveal in analytical blood samples exposure levels of the compound. This kinetic information of the parent compound and its metabolites is an important contribution for the extrapolation of safety data from animal studies to humans. Species differ considerably in regard to their kinetic conditions as Cmax, Tmax, Area Under the Curve (AUC), im and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion). 

Poirier, M. C. Monitoring Human Exposure to Carcinogens Analytical and Ethical Considerations Skipper, P. L., Koshier, F., Groopman, J. D., Eds. Telford Press Caldwell, in press, 1989. 

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