Application of Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid Method for Field Sampling and Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agents and Toxic Industrial Chemicals
Abstract
The first question that must be answered prior to substantive quantitative exposure monitoring, regardless of the sampling and analysis method employed, is: What chemicals are present? In order to answer this question rapidly, there is increasing demand for field analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds with instrumentation that provides definitive identification. The military's interest in this capability stems from Presidential Review Directive 5 and other Department of Defense implementing instructions that have established the requirement for developing better means for operational exposure assessments and documentation of troop exposures during deployments. Numerous methods have been developed for field analysis of organic compounds. However, these methods may have limitations such as lack of sensitivity, high false positive identification rates and provide only screening capabilities. Laboratory analysis, often with complex sample preparation requirements, is still required for confirmation of a chemical's identification. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of solid phase microextraction (SFME) coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) as a rapid method for field sampling and analysis to answer the important question of "What chemicals are present?" and other related questions that may arise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA435623
Entities
People
- Gary L. Hook
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences