A comprehensive screen for volatile organic compounds in biological fluids

A headspace gas chromatographic (GC) screen for common volatile organic compounds in biological fluids is reported. Common GC phases, DB-1 and DB-WAX, with split injection provide separation and identification of more than 40 compounds in a single 20-min run. In addition, this method easily accommodates quantitation. The screen detects commonly encountered volatile compounds at levels below 4 mg%. A control mixture, providing qualitative and semiquantitative information, is described. For comparison, elution of the volatiles on a specialty phase, DB-624, is reported. This method is an expansion and modification of a screen that had been used for more than 20 years. During its first year of use, the expanded screen has proven to be advantageous in routine forensic casework.