The reliability of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and toxicity equivalence measurements in Missouri residents

This study evaluates the reliability of serum measurements of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and toxicity equivalence (TEQ) in individuals with no prior exposure to TCDD or dioxin-like compounds above background levels. Reliability was measured over three time-periods in the same individuals. TCDD and TEQ were measured in 127 and 128 participants. The values declined during the testing periods. Reliability coefficients for TCDD was 0.69 and for TEQ 0.91 but increased to 0.79 and 0.92, respectively, after removal of three outlying cases. Study results show good reliability over 22 months suggesting a consistency in the uptake and excretion of TCDD and other dioxin-like compounds.