Industry: Forensics and Toxicology
Instrument: HT3 Static and Dynamic Headspace System
Achieving PPT Levels of VOCs in Forensic Applications Using the New HT3™ Static and Dynamic Headspace System
Identifying and quantifying Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in blood, breath and urine samples at sub-ppb levels has been a challenge for forensic laboratories. In addition, data must be able to stand up in court, so showing accuracy and repeatability in analytical results is critical. The new Teledyne Tekmar HT3™ Static and Dynamic Headspace system improves sensitivity by up to 100 times and offers new technology to ensure data is accurate and consistent.
Low-end sensitivity is the critical factor when developing an automated headspace GC method for blood volatiles. The HT3 Headspace system is the only system on the market today to offer the rugged dependability of the traditional fixed volume loop sampling technique, while dramatically increasing sensitivity with the new patent-pending dynamic trapping option.
The fixed volume loop sampling method is for those samples that need to be prescreened or are known to contain large amounts of VOCs. This method transfers a single volume of headspace sample to the GCMS for detection.
The dynamic trapping method is for samples that demand greater sensitivity. This method sweeps the headspace of the sample vial for a fixed amount of time while simultaneously concentrating the volatiles onto an adsorbent trap. Once the trapping is completed, the analytes are transferred from the trap to the GCMS for detection. In the case of blood volatiles, this dynamic trapping method provides excellent low-end recovery and precision required for forensic applications.
The HT3 offers unprecedented headspace capabilities never before utilized in forensic laboratories:
- Sample Pathway: The HT3 system is plumbed with an inert sample pathway to achieve the quality control and cleanliness specifications set forth by the method.
- System Temperature Control: The entire sample pathway is temperature controlled up to 300 degrees Celsius in one degree increments ensuring reproducibility of sample collection and transfer.
- Pressure/Flow Control: The HT3 system utilizes a Mass Flow Controller/Pressure Transducer module that is capable of unmatched repeatability of gas flows, pressures, and volumes.
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