Measurement of neuropathy target esterase activity (NTE) in blood lymphocytes has been suggested as a possible biomonitor for organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy. Human lymphocyte NTE was characterized in vitro according to the sensitivity to several organophosphate inhibitors, which was found similar to that of the nervous system enzyme. Methods for collection, storage, and processing of blood and the NTE assay are described (averaged coefficient of variation of the method is 8%). The mean (+/- SD) value of lymphocyte NTE activity in a caucasian population (108 healthy subjects) was 11.5 +/- 2.5 nMoles/min X mg of protein. No sex or age differences were detected. The averaged intraindividual coefficient of variation was 10.1%. These results suggest the feasibility of the test in clinical conditions, a sufficient reproducibility of the test, and a large interindividual variation. Appropriate baseline values are advisable when using the test to evaluate the effects of an occupational exposure to organophosphorus esters which may cause delayed polyneuropathy.