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Evaluation of septa quality for automatic SPME-GC-MS trace analysis
Agnieszka Ulanowska1, Tomasz Ligor, Anton Amann
1Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University Gagarin Street 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland.
Journal of Chromatographic Science
|February 1, 2012
Summary
Septa used in breath sample analysis vials can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), affecting results. Butyl rubber septa generally release more contaminants like acetone and toluene than silicone ones.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Automated solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) is crucial for breath analysis.
- Septa in sample vials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially interfering with accurate measurements.
- Understanding septum outgassing is vital for reliable breath sample analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from 14 different brands of vial septa.
- To compare the contaminant levels released by silicone-PTFE, butyl-PTFE, and butyl rubber septa.
- To identify the most abundant outgassing products and their concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Testing of 14 magnetic cap brands with various septum materials (silicone-PTFE, butyl-PTFE, butyl rubber).
- Quantification of total septum emissions over a 4-hour period.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify and quantify emitted compounds.
Main Results:
- Thirty-nine different compounds were emitted by the tested septa, primarily hydrocarbons, alcohols, and ketones.
- Acetone and toluene were the most abundant outgassing products.
- Butyl rubber septa generally released higher contaminant levels compared to silicone-based septa, with specific examples for acetone and toluene concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Septum material significantly impacts VOC emissions in breath sample analysis.
- Butyl rubber septa pose a higher risk of confounding SPME-GC-MS results due to greater contaminant release.
- Careful selection of septa is recommended to ensure the accuracy and reliability of breath analysis studies.
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