Basic Information

Abstract Number: 560-9     Author Name: Heidi L Grecsek Affiliation: PerkinElmer Session Title: Forensic Analysis Event Type: Poster Event Title: Using Hydrogen Carrier to Improve and Accelerate the Analysis of Forensic Samples Presider(s):   Start Time: ( Slot # 9 ) Date: Monday, March 9th, 2009 Location: Keywords: Forensic Chemistry, Gas Chromatography, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Headspace

Co-Authors

Name Affiliation Goodman, William Douglas PerkinElmer Pittman, Thomas S University of Southern Mississippi

Abstract Content

This intent of this work will be to demonstrate the benefits of using hydrogen carrier gas during the analysis of forensic samples by gas chromatography (GC). Hydrogen carrier gas decreases the analysis time by achieving an adequate plate height across a wide range of liner velocities. In addition, the hydrogen carrier helps focus the analytes of interest resulting in better resolution. The typical carrier gas used for GC forensic samples is helium. However, the price of helium has recently gone up tremendously and it is also difficult to obtain. Many experts say that helium supplies will be depleted in as little as eight years. Therefore, utilizing hydrogen instead of helium is beneficial for laboratories both analytically and financially. Two high throughput techniques will be studied in this experiment: blood alcohol and drugs-of-abuse. Blood alcohol will utilize a Headspace Sampler with a Gas Chromatograph. Analyses using this technique are typically 2 minutes in duration, and it is one of the most common analysis performed in a forensic lab. Ultra high throughput is desired to process high case loads. In addition, the analysis of drugs-of-abuse will be demonstrated with a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer using hydrogen carrier gas. This technique is also very common and can require a significant wait time for sample processing. Utilizing hydrogen as a carrier gas during both blood alcohol and drugs of abuse analysis can help elevate large sample loads and speed the processing of results.