Development and validation of headspace gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector method for the determination of ethanol in the vitreous humor.

INTRODUCTION

Qualitative and quantitative testing of ethanol in post-mortem samples is an important analytical procedure that provides accurate, precise, and reliable results. Given the complexity of the issue, obtaining a realistic picture of lifelong alcoholemia requires supporting blood ethanol findings with analyses of alternative samples, primarily vitreous humor (VH).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS/GC-FID) method for determining ethanol concentration in VH.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Conditions for the HS/GC-FID method were established and the method was validated according to the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency. Validation parameters such as precision, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and linearity over a wide concentration range were evaluated through statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The method demonstrated precision, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. Additionally, it proved to be linear across a wide concentration range and relatively fast, making it suitable for rapid and routine determination of ethanol concentration in VH, particularly for forensic applications.

CONCLUSION

Results from validation and application of the method to VH samples indicate that ethanol concentration in VH can be reliably determined using the presented HS/GC-FID method, making it a valuable tool in forensic investigations.