Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Directed Research Project
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle R. Peace
Second Advisor
Justin Poklis
Third Advisor
Courtney Wardwell
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Christopher Ehrhardt
Abstract
Historically, forensic toxicology and clinical laboratories use Headspace- Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detection (FID) with dual columns for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) analysis. Headspace- Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) is gaining popularity because of the identification capabilities of the MS, but not being widely adopted due to expense and effort with an instrument change and method revalidations. In this study, a comparison between the use of the dual FID detectors and MS/FID detectors for BAC analysis, to determine if a switch in instrumentation is necessary. A validation for each column by ASB/ ANSI 036 standards was conducted using the MS/FID configuration. Results from the validations comparing the MS and FID found that the linearity, bias, precision showed better results utilizing the FID compared to the MS. Clinical samples (n=69) were evaluated, comparing the dual FID system and each column with the MS, showing that there was a lower percent difference with the use of one column over the other. Interferants are the reason for the push in in the direction of the MS is due to a co-elution with ethanol and the inability to separate the analytes in one of the columns with FID. The MS was able to separate the analytes, but the FID system must utilize the second column for distinguishing between the two analytes. In conclusion, the dual FID configuration is a sufficient means for detection of volatiles in routine BAC analysis with the use of the two columns over the use of the MS/FID.
Rights
© The Author(s)
Is Part Of
VCU Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Date of Submission
5-1-2023