Measurements of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in a single drop of blood

A quantitative method that requires only a small volume (50 μL) of blood has been developed for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Target analytes in both plasma sample (DBSV) and dried blood spot (DBS) were analyzed by a gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometer (GC/HRMS). Measurements of standard reference materials by the developed method were in agreement with those certified values. Linear correlation coefficients were found to be 0.9984 and 0.9965 for DBS and DBSV analysis, respectively. Other analytical criteria, such as limits of detection, recoveries, precision, accuracy and linearity of the proposed method are also reported. From recovery studies, the addition of formic acid to the extraction solvent was found to be effective in extracting PBDEs and PCBs from filter paper. The PBDE and PCB levels in spiked DBS were monitored at room temperature for up to 30 days and the variations of target analytes were found to be insignificant. Our results suggest that DBS sampling technique is feasible for PBDE and PCBs biomonitoring in human population.

► A method was developed and well validated to determine PCBs and PBDEs in a small volume (50 μL) of blood samples and in dried blood spots.
► Measurements of PBDE and PCBs in dried blood spots have not been reported in the previous studies.
► PCBs and PBDEs were measured in filter paper blanks from different manufacturing years (1987–2009).
► Levels of PBDE/PCB in dried blood spot samples did not show any changes during a period of 30 days.