Optimization and validation of a method for simultaneous analysis of organic solvents in oral fluid collected by Quantisal™

Abstract

The development of analytical methods is required for the biological monitoring of occupational exposure. Considering that oral fluid (OF) is a promising matrix, the aim of this study was to optimize the headspace extraction by using the central composite design and to validate a methodology for the simultaneous analysis of ethyl ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate in OF by headspace-gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detector. The best condition chosen for the headspace analysis was 85°C for 5 minutes. The method was satisfactorily validated, making it adequate for use in toxicological analysis of occupational exposure to organic solvents