The analysis of ethanol and of its congeners in blood plays an important role in forensic cases, especially when allegations are made that alcohol has been consumed after an accident. In alcoholic beverages, congener alcohols are by-products and are generated during fermentation. The assay of these compounds in serum samples and beverages has been previously performed using headspace-gas chromatography-flame ionization detection methods (HS-GC-FID). As an alternative, a robust headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) procedure was developed and validated, which has the following advantages:•Simultaneous determination of ethanol, congener alcohols and other endogenous substances.•Reduction of matrix interference by increasing selectivity and specificity.•Clear separation of the positional isomers 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-methyl-1-butanol.
Keywords: 1-propanol; Alcohol; CV, coefficients of variation; Cal, calibrator; EI, electron impact ionization; FID, flame ionization detection; GC, gas chromatography; GTFCh, Gesellschaft für Toxikologische und Forensische Chemie; HS, headspace; ISTD, internal standard; LLOQ, lower limit of quantitation; LOD, limit of detection; MS, mass spectrometry; Methanol; Method validation; Post-offence drinking; QC, quality control.
© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.