Analytical precautions in measurement of blood cyanide

Solutions of KCN in 0.1 mol/liter NaOH, stored for six months at 4 degrees C, were unchanged as determined by silver titration and color development with pyridine-pyrazalone reagent. At room temperature the cyanide concentration of such solutions decreased by 0.079% per day (half life = 880 days) and the extent of color development changed in direct proportion to the change in silver titer. Rubber stoppers adsorb (or dissolve) HCN when in contact with this gas. The cyanide tends to come out of the stopper long after the source of the gas is removed. Rubber stoppers and expired air contaminated by HCN must be carefully avoided during cyanide analysis. Expired air contains HCN, generally in larger amounts for persons who smoke.