Thermal desorption ambient ionization mass spectrometry for emergency toxicology

Abstract

In the emergency department, it is important to rapidly identify the toxic substances that have led to acute poisoning because different toxicants or toxins cause poisoning through different mechanisms, requiring disparate therapeutic strategies and precautions against contraindicating actions, and diverse directions of clinical course monitoring and prediction of prognosis. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry, a state‐of‐the‐art technology, has been proved to be a fast, accurate, and user‐friendly tool for rapidly identifying toxicants like residual pesticides on fruits and vegetables. In view of this, developing an analytical platform that explores the application of such a cutting‐edge technology in a novel direction has been initiated a research program, namely, the rapid identification of toxic substances which might have caused acute poisoning in patients who visit the emergency department and requires an accurate diagnosis for correct clinical decision‐making to bring about corresponding data‐guided management. This review includes (i) a narrative account of the breakthrough in emergency toxicology brought about by the advent of ambient ionization mass spectrometry and (ii) a thorough discussion about the clinical implications and technical limitations of such a promising innovation for promoting toxicological tests from tier two‐level to tier one level.

Immunosensors for Assay of Toxic Biological Warfare Agents

“…Various instrumental devices are available for the purpose, and accurate and sensitive assays of hazardous toxic materials are possible. Mass spectrometry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and immunochemical methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, can be standard analytical chemistry for toxins [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Although standard methods are available and fully applicable, they have disadvantages, such as the price of the device, cost per assay, and demands on staff and other laboratory equipment.…”