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An approach to quantify ortho-phthalaldehyde contamination on work surfaces
Caitlyn A Rogers1, Sharyn E Gaskin1, Leigh D Thredgold1
1Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
Annals of Work Exposures and Health
|July 12, 2023
Summary
A new method quantifies ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) surface contamination using wipes and LC-ToF-MS, aiding risk assessment for healthcare workers. This helps minimize skin exposure and sensitization risks from OPA disinfectant.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Monitoring
Background:
- Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is a high-level disinfectant for medical devices.
- A new surface limit (TLV-SL) exists for OPA to prevent sensitization.
- No validated method currently exists to measure OPA surface contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a standardized method for collecting and quantifying OPA surface contamination.
- Provide a tool for risk assessment in healthcare settings.
- Address the lack of validated OPA surface detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized commercial wipes for surface sample collection.
- Employed direct detection of OPA via liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ToF-MS).
- Avoided complex derivatization steps common in aldehyde analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved 70-72% recovery of OPA from stainless steel and glass surfaces.
- Reported a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 1.1 µg/sample and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) of 3.7 µg/sample.
- Demonstrated OPA stability on sampling medium for up to 10 days at 4 °C.
Conclusions:
- The developed LC-ToF-MS method provides a validated approach for OPA surface contamination assessment.
- This method can supplement airborne monitoring and quantify potential dermal exposure risks.
- Implementation aids in minimizing OPA-related skin exposure and sensitization in healthcare workplaces.
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