Automatic headspace gas chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of trichloroethylene and metabolites in blood and urine.

Trichloroethylene, trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) were quantitated in blood and urine by automated headspace gas chromatography using a fused-silica capillary column coated with 3-micron silicone SE-30 and an electron-capture detector. Total trichloroethanol was determined after enzymatic hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase and analysed together with trichloroethylene and TCA as chloroform, which are produced by decarboxylation. Analytical conditions were developed under which the thermal decomposition of TCA was optimal. The automated headspace gas chromatography is rapid and good precision is possible. Sample preparation is simple and the sensitivity of the procedure (0.02 microgram/ml) makes it suitable to estimate occupational exposure to trichloroethylene and other halocarbons in humans.