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Simple method for determination of thiocyanate in urine
1Division of Botany and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.
Clinical Chemistry
|September 3, 1999
Summary
A new picrate kit accurately measures urinary thiocyanate, aiding cyanide exposure monitoring in populations consuming cassava. This simple method is freely available for global health workers.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cyanide overload is a health concern, particularly in populations consuming cassava.
- Monitoring urinary thiocyanate levels is crucial for assessing cyanide exposure.
- A simple, accessible method for thiocyanate determination is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple kit for determining thiocyanate in urine.
- To enable monitoring of cyanide overload in at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative oxidation of thiocyanate using acid permanganate.
- Reaction of liberated hydrogen cyanide (HCN) with picrate paper.
- Colorimetric analysis of the picrate complex for quantification.
Main Results:
- The method showed no interference from common urine components.
- High agreement (r² = 1.000) was observed when compared to an established column method.
- Accurate quantitative recovery of added thiocyanate was achieved.
Conclusions:
- A simple picrate kit for urinary thiocyanate determination has been successfully developed.
- The kit is available free of charge, facilitating its use in developing countries.
- This tool can aid in monitoring cyanide exposure and related health risks.