Screening for Contamination Levels of Select Organic Environmental Chemicals in Medical Supplies Used for Human Specimen Collection

Abstract

Trace-level analysis of environmental chemicals in human specimens can be compromised by contamination introduced during sample collection and storage. Sampling devices and tools can be a source of contamination by plasticizers and antimicrobials, which warrants the need for pre-screening of these products prior to use.  In this study, we determined leaching of 121 environmental chemicals in 24 types of human specimen collection and storage devices in 10% and 100% methanol. Cryovials, serum tubes, cups, syringes, transfer pipettes, and gloves, commonly used for the collection of blood, urine, breast milk and stools, were screened for the presence of plasticizers, environmental phenols, and pesticides. Measurable concentrations mono-ethyl phthalate (mEP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP) were leached from vials, plastic bags, gloves, and diapers, and parabens were leached in collection bottles, at concentrations exceeding 100 ng/ device. The amount leached from the devices varied depending on the lot numbers of the same product type. Storage time and temperature were found to influence the leaching rate of chemicals, with increased levels observed following prolonged storage and at high temperatures. The study underscores the importance of prescreening for contamination in devices used for collection and storage of human specimens for biomonitoring studies.

Keywords: Biomonitoring, Contamination, Sampling Devices, Leaching, Prescreening, Phthalate