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Fourier‐Transformed Infrared Breath Testing After Ingestion of Technical Alcohol *
Author(s) -
Laakso Olli,
Haapala Matti,
Pennanen Teemu,
Kuitunen Tapio,
Himberg JaakkoJuhani
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00454.x
Subject(s) - methanol , ethanol , alcohol , acetone , ketone , chemistry , chromatography , methyl ketone , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , physics
The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a Fourier‐transformed infrared (FT‐IR) analyzer for out‐of‐laboratory use by screening the exhalations of inebriated individuals, and to determine analysis quality using common breath components and solvents. Each of the 35 inebriated participants gave an acceptable sample. Because of the metabolism of 2‐propanol, the subjects exhaled high concentrations of acetone in addition to ethanol. Other volatile ingredients of technical ethanol products (methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and 2‐propanol) were also detected. The lower limits of quantification for the analyzed components ranged from 1.7 to 12 μg/L in simulated breath samples. The bias was ±2% for ethanol and −11% for methanol. Within‐day and between‐day coefficients of variation were <1% for ethanol and <4% for methanol. The bias of ethanol and methanol analyses due to coexisting solvents ranged from −0.8 to +2.2% and from −5.6 to +2.9%, respectively. The FT‐IR method proved suitable for use outside the laboratory and fulfilled the quality criteria for analysis of solvents in breath.