ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 13

Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: A Screening Technique for the Recovery and Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) in Postmortem Blood and Viscera Samples
Tranthim-Fryer, DJ
Senior chemist and research officer, principal chemist, and chemist and research officer, Chemistry Centre (WA), Forensic Science Laboratory, WA

Norman, KW
Senior chemist and research officer, principal chemist, and chemist and research officer, Chemistry Centre (WA), Forensic Science Laboratory, WA

Hansson, RC
Senior chemist and research officer, principal chemist, and chemist and research officer, Chemistry Centre (WA), Forensic Science Laboratory, WA

(Received 5 July 2000; accepted 5 September 2000)

Abstract

This paper describes the application of Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/SPME/GC-MS) to the recovery and identification of volatile organic compounds in blood and viscera samples from decreased persons. The technique is used as a screening procedure to rapidly obtain information relating to toxicological investigations. The technique is suitable for the detection of volatiles (of wide boiling range) including butane, halothane, toluene, xylenes, and petrol residues in blood and viscera (lung, brain, and body fat).

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic toxicology, headspace analysis, solid-phase microextraction, human postmortem fluids and viscera, volatile organic compounds, solvent abuse, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Paper ID: JFS15073J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15073J
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