title: 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.
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 deceased 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).
authors.affiliation: Chemistry Centre (WA), Forensic Science Laboratory, East Perth, WA, Australia. dfryer@ccwa.wa.gov.au
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tranthim-Fryer
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hansson
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Norman
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry; D001344:Autopsy; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002102:Cadaver; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D009930:Organic Chemicals