Detection of diethyl ether in human blood.

Research was conducted to develop a valid analytical method for determining levels of diethyl ether in blood below the 1 part per million (ppm) levels (volume/volume). Two gas chromatographic methods, the head space and the purge and the purge and trap, were adapted to meet the needs of low-level analysis in blood. These 2 methods were then evaluated and compared for limit of detection, for sensitivity, and for suitability in routine use in monitoring exposure levels of diethyl ether. Studies were also made to determine if vacutainer blood collection tubes could be utilized as blood collection and storage containers. Field verification tests were conducted to evaluate the utility of the blood collection system and the analytical method. Electroencephalogram technicians from local hospitals were used as exposed volunteers. Environmental air and blood samples were obtained, evaluated, and compared. The data indicated that the vacutainer blood collection system could be used as long as the blood samples were stored at 5° for less than 1 week. The 2 analytical methods were both found to be capable of measuring diethyl ether in blood at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels. The purge-and-trap method was found to be more sensitive and to have the lower detection limit. The head-space method was somewhat easier to use and did not require the use of complex purge-and trap glassware and equipment. However, the utility of the head-space method was not considered significant enough to offset its lower sensitivity, its higher limit of detection, and its higher levels of variability in results. The results of this study demonstrate that low levels of diethyl ether can be detected in human blood using available technology and that further development and evaluation studies could result in a practical and useful biological monitoring test method for low levels of diethyl ether and other volatile organic substances in blood.