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Published:
Journal of Analytical Toxicology,
ISSN 0146-4760,
Volume 25, Number 7, October, pp. 628-630
TECHNICAL NOTE: Ether: Stability in Preserved Blood Samples
and a Case of Ether-Assisted Suicide
Mary-Ellen E. Sharp[1] and Tijana Dautbegovic[2]
[1]Toxicology Services, RCMPolice Forensic Laboratory Services - Regina, Box
6500, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada S4P 3J7 and [2]College of Pharmacy and Nutrition,
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Ethyl ether was detected in the blood of a deceased individual
who had inhaled it from a mask while hanging himself. This case led to an investigation
into the stability of ether in stored blood samples as described herein. Ether
was spiked, at three concentrations, into batches of porcine blood. The blood
was apportioned into grey-stoppered collection tubes and stored refrigerated
until analysis. The concentration of ether in the blood was assessed at intervals
over a two-month period. Analysis was performed by headspace gas chromatography.
This study has shown, for a concentration range of 0.1 to 5.0 mg/mL, ether is
stable in preserved, refrigerated blood for at least two months.
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