Dual-Column Analysis of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) with Brevis GC-2050

Introduction

Analysis of blood alcohol content (BAC), as well as other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis, is essential technique in forensic field to determine the degree of intoxication caused by alcohol consumption and to evaluate criminality.

Generally, this analysis is performed with gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with headspace sampler (HS) and frame ionization detector (FID). To get accurate results, this analysis needs two columns for cross-check. Both accuracy and quickness are required in this analysis, so connecting a single HS-GC system to two columns leading to each FID fulfills the requests with remarkably smart way.

Our new GC named Brevis GC-2050 is designed to be more compact than ever, which can be utilized for this BAC analysis as well as Nexis™ GC-2030 that is our high-end model. The width of GC-2050 is approximately 35% smaller than existing GC model. Moreover, GC-2050 can hold two columns despite its smaller size, which contributes more productivity in the laboratory as well. This application news introduces BAC analysis with HS-20 NX and Brevis GC-2050 (Fig.1). Using the specialized column series SH-BAC PLUS, linearity and repeatability of ethanol were evaluated, as well as separation of VOCs. Hydrogen is employed as carrier gas in this system, which achieves faster runtime.