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Aerosol propellant interference with clinical mass spectrometers.
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Journal of Clinical Monitoring
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Halogenated propellants in metered dose inhalers can interfere with mass spectrometry, leading to inaccurate measurements of anesthetic gases. This study identifies specific propellants and explains interference mechanisms in mass spectrometers.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are common drug delivery devices.
- Halogenated compounds are used as propellants in some MDIs and as inhalation anesthetics.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) is a key technique for quantifying anesthetic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific propellant(s) in a commercial MDI causing interference with MS.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of interference in different MS systems.
- To improve the accuracy of MS quantitation of halogenated inhalation anesthetics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a commercially available metered dose inhaler.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and direct infusion MS.
- Identification of propellant components and assessment of their MS fragmentation patterns.
Main Results:
- A specific halogenated propellant was identified as the source of interference.
- Different MS types exhibited distinct interference patterns.
- The identified propellant interfered with the quantitation of target halogenated anesthetics.
Conclusions:
- Halogenated propellants in MDIs pose a significant challenge for MS-based anesthetic quantitation.
- Understanding interference mechanisms is crucial for accurate clinical monitoring.
- Methodological adjustments or alternative analytical techniques may be necessary.