Short communication, Note
Identification of the contents and the shelf-life of indicator tubes from field kits for detection of organophosphorcis compounds in the air
Vera Simeon-Rudolf
; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Mira Škrinjarić-Špoljar
; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Elsa Reiner
; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Zvonko Orehovec
; Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Jukić
; Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Slavko Bokan
; Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Branko Smoljan
; Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Indicator tubes from field kits for detection of organophosphorus compounds in the air were found on the territory of Croatia, in barracks liberated during the war years of 1991/1992, and were analysed during 1993/95. The detection kit consisted of glass indicator tubes with two sealed vials within each tube, a device for opening the tubes and breaking the vials, and an air sampling pump. The tubes were marked with serial numbers and expiry dates (1974-1992). but the description as to their contents was unavailable. The aim of this study was to identify the contents of the indicator tubes and to establish whether they were still suitable for detection of organophosphorus compounds. One vial was found to contain a cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) preparation, while the other vial contained a non-thiocholine substrate and a pH-sensitive indicator (most probably cresol red). Applying ODVP as an organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitor, it was found that all sets of indicator tubes were suitable for use regardless of the indicated expiry dates. Furthermore, the same tubes were found suitable for detection of organophosphorus compounds in water.
Keywords
cholinesterase preparation; cholinesterase inhibitors; DDVP; detection kit; expiry date
Hrčak ID:
144450
URI
Publication date:
4.12.1997.
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