Determination of extractable mirex in whole blood

A method for the determination of free mirex in blood has been developed in which whole blood is extracted with acetone-hexane (9+91), passed through Na2SO4, concentrated, and analyzed by electron capture gas-liquid chromatograpohy (GLC). Results were highest for fresh blood. Recoveries were verified by determining 14C-labeled mirex before and after extraction. Little mirex was detected in the samples after extraction. Hydrolysis of residual blood indicates that a metabolite of mirex is released. The possible metabolite has a GLC retention time and mass spectrum which resemble hydroxy metabolites of mirex.