[Determination of methamphetamine in human blood using microwave extraction-gas chromatography]

A method was developed for the determination of methamphetamine (MAM) in human blood using microwave extraction-gas chromatography (GC). To improve the extraction efficiency, experimental parameters on the extraction, including such as extraction solvent and its amount, pH value of blood sample, extraction time and temperature were investigated. Comparing with conventional liquid-liquid extraction method, the microwave extraction showed better efficiency under the optimal conditions. The optimal conditions were as follows: the pH of blood sample at 13, ethyl acetate as extraction solvent, extraction at 30 degrees C for 8 min. The average recovery of MAM with this extraction method was 81.4%, and the relative standard deviation was 6.4%. The limit of detection was 220 microg/L for MAM in the blood. Using this method, MAM need not be derivatized and can be separated from the matrix. The results indicate that the developed method is rapid, accurate and sensitive, and can be used for the determination of MAM in blood samples.