NCJ Number
133230
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1991) Pages: 301-307
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The increased incidence of aerosol abuse has led to the development of a method for detection of light hydrocarbons such as propane and butane, and halogenated hydrocarbons or freons in body fluids and tissues. The method described here involves headspace desorption gas chromotography-mass spectrometry for sampling, separation, and easy identification.
Abstract
To test this method, analyses were conducted on post- mortem blood samples and through a clinical trial of live subjects. For both these studies, several significant ions were defined: freon 11, freon 12, and n-butane. The results of the analyses indicated there is little likelihood of detecting high levels of freons as background; where there is a positive result, more information should be sought concerning the presence of freons as a result of aerosol use for medical purposes. A case report using this method is also briefly outlined. 1 table, 3 figures, and 8 notes (Author abstract modified)