Comparing plasma, serum and whole blood indium concentrations from workers at an indium-tin oxide (ITO) production...

Occupational exposure to indium compounds including indium-tin oxide (ITO) can result in potentially fatal indium lung disease. We compared plasma, serum and whole blood indium concentrations (In_P, In_S and In_B) from workers at a single ITO production facility to assess the comparability of these matrices used for biological monitoring of indium exposure.

In_P, In_S and In_B were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry from consenting workers at an ITO production facility with specimen collection occurring during June-July 2014. Matched pairs from workers were assessed to determine the matrix relationships using the Pearson correlation, paired t-tests, per cent difference, linear regression and κ statistics.

Indium matrices were collected from 80 workers. Mean (SD) In_P, In_S and In_B were 3.48 (3.84), 3.90 (4.15) and 4.66 (5.32) mcg/L, respectively. The In_S-In_P difference was 14%; In_S was higher in all but two workers. In_P and In_S were highly correlated (r=>0.99). The In_B-In_S difference was 19%; In_B was higher in 85% of workers. The In_B-In_P difference was 34%; In_B was higher in 66% of workers. In_B was highly correlated with both In_P and In_S (r=0.97 and 0.96, respectively). κ Statistics were 0.84, 0.83 and 0.82 for In_P, In_S and In_B, respectively, for individuals with each matrix ≥1 mcg/L (p<0.01).

While all matrices were highly correlated, we encourage the use of In_P and In_S to reliably compare studies across different populations using different matrices. The higher per cent difference and increased variability of In_B may limit its utility in comparisons with In_P and In_S in different populations.