Toxicological analysis of thiamylal in biological materials by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A reliable and sensitive method to analyze thiamylal in biological materials was developed, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A quantitative determination was made by use of mass fragmentography with the lower detection limit of 0.01 microgram/g. Thiopental was used as the internal standard. Distribution of the drug in the blood and body tissues of rats was examined. The method was then used to detect thiamylal in tissues from an autopsied patient and concentration of this drug in the body materials was evaluated, from medico-legal aspects.