Trending of a falsely elevated serum creatinine after a pediatric nitromethane ingestion: A case report.

Introduction: Nitromethane is a primary nitroalkane used as a solvent and a fuel that may be toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or contact. Its presence can be detected in serum of exposed persons, but levels are not readily available to guide patient care. Nitromethane has been shown to falsely elevate serum creatinine when clinical laboratories use Jaffe assays to measure creatinine; enzymatic assays are not affected.

Development and Evaluation of a Variable-Temperature Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer.

A new, variable-temperature mass spectrometer system is described. By applying polyimide heating tape to the end-cap electrodes of a Bruker (Bremen, Germany) Esquire ion trap, it is possible to vary the effective temperature of the system between 40 and 100°C. The modification does not impact the operation of the ion trap and the heater can be used for extended periods without degradation of the system.