Determination of Inhalational Anesthetics in Field and Laboratory by SPME GC/MS

Exposure to inhalational anesthetics in health care workers could lead to several diseases and disorders. This study examined the applicability of solid phase microextraction for sampling and quantification of three inhalational anesthetics including; halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane in operating room air. Carboxen-Polydimethylsiloxane in retracted mode was selected and the effects of environmental parameters including temperature, humidity, and air velocity, were studied. There were no significant differences between sampling rates determined at different temperatures and air velocities. On the opposite, relative humidity has a significant effect on sampling rates. Comparison of the results between the developed SPME method and OSHA 103 method on standard test atmosphere and field showed satisfactory agreement.