Improved sample preparation method for selected persistent organochlorine pollutants in human serum using solid-phase disk extraction with gas chromatographic analysis

An improved solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was developed to isolate and concentrate trace levels of selected POPs (persistent organochlorine pollutants) in human serum prior to GC-MS in SIM mode or GC-ECD quantitation. The extraction involves denaturation of serum proteins with formic acid, SPE using C18 Empore disk cartridges, followed by elimination of lipid interferences using a sulfuric acid wash of the eluate. Use of the SPE disk improved assay throughput and gave a cleaner analytical matrix compared with previously reported solid-phase and liquid-liquid extraction techniques. The extraction method provided consistent recoveries at three fortification levels using 13C12 PCB 149 as internal standard. Recoveries ranged from 48 to 140% for organochlorine pesticides (6.25, 12.5 and 25 ng/ml) and 71 to 126% for polychlorinated biphenyls (0.625, 1.25 and 2.5 ng/ml).