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Published:
Journal of Analytical Toxicology,
ISSN 0146-4760,
Volume 26,
Number 1, January/February 2002, pp. 35-42
Quantitative Determination of n-Propane, iso-Butane, and
n-Butane by Headspace GCMS in Intoxications by Inhalation of Lighter Fluid
Marie-Paule L.A. Bouche[1], Willy E. Lambert[1], Jan F.P.
Van Bocxlaer[2], Michel H. Piette[3], and André P. De Leenheer[1] [1]Laboratory
of Toxicology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
[2]Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Ghent University,
Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
[3]Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Ghent University, J. Kluyskensstraat 29,
B-9000 Gent, Belgium
This report describes a fully elaborated and validated method
for quantitation of the hydrocarbons n-propane, iso-butane, and n-butane in
blood samples. The newly developed analytical procedure is suitable for both
emergency cases and forensic medicine investigations. Its practical applicability
is illustrated with a forensic blood sample after acute inhalative intoxication
with lighter fluid; case history and toxicological findings are included. Identification
and quantitation of the analytes were performed using static headspace extraction
combined with gas chromatographymass spectrometry. In order to reconcile
the large gas volumes injected (0.5 mL) with the narrowbore capillary column
and thus achieve preconcentration, cold trapping on a Tenax sorbent followed
by flash desorption was applied. Adequate retention and separation were achieved
isothermally at 35°C on a thick-film capillary column. Sample preparation
was kept to a strict minimum and involved simply adding 2.5 µL of a liquid
solution of 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane in t-butyl-methylether as an internal
standard to aliquots of blood in a capped vial. Standards were created by volumetric
dilution departing from a gravimetrically prepared calibration gas mixture composed
of 0.3% of n-propane, 0.7% of iso-butane, and 0.8% of n-butane in nitrogen.
In the forensic blood sample, the following concentrations were measured: 90.0
µg/L for n-propane, 246 µg/L for iso-butane, and 846 µg/L
for n-butane.
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