Gases and VOCs in biological samples
Organic Chemistry offers a range of analytical tests for detection of gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in biological samples.
Compounds analysed in biological matrices include nitrous oxide (N2O), Argon (Ar), liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and other VOCs (see Appendix 1).
Please contact the laboratory to discuss options for analysis of VOCs or compounds that are not listed.
Sampling requirements
| Matrix type | Analytes | Preferred samples | Container | Storage | Method of analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood or lung tissue | N2O, Ar, LPG |
Min 2 samples (~1 gram and 3 grams each) Blank (reference) blood or lung of similar mass if available | 20ml clear VOA vials with septa* | <4 C | Headspace GCMS |
| Blood, lung tissue or biota | VOCs |
Min 2 samples (~1 gram and 3 grams each) Blank (reference) blood, lung or tissue of similar mass if available | 40ml clear VOA vials with septa* | <4 C | Headspace GCMS |
*if required the laboratory can provide vials with our preferred septa for gas analysis at a nominal cost.
Need more information?
To discuss your needs or to request a quote, contact Public and Environmental Health Reference Laboratories, Organic Chemistry:
Jeff Herse or Sean Davis
Phone: +61 7 3096 2998
Email: organics@health.qld.gov.au
Appendix 1
| Analytical test | Limits of reporting* | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane | 0.2 | µg/L |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,1,2-Trichlorotrifuorothane | 0.5 | µg/L |
| 1,1-Dichloroethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,1-Dichloropropene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 0.2 | µg/L |
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | 0.5 | µg/L |
| 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane | 0.5 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dibromoethane | 0.2 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dichloroethene cis | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dichloroethene trans | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,2-Dichloropropane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,3-Dichlorobenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,3-Dichloropropane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene cis | 0.2 | µg/L |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene trans | 0.5 | µg/L |
| 1,4-Dichlorobenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 1,4-Dichlorobut-2-ene cis | 5 | µg/L |
| 1,4-Dichlorobut-2-ene trans | 5 | µg/L |
| 1,4-Dioxane | 1 | µg/L |
| 1-Chlorobutane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 2,2-Dichloropropane | 5 | µg/L |
| 2-Chlorotoluene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 2-Methylpropanol | 2 | µg/L |
| 2-Nitropropane | 5 | µg/L |
| 4-Chlorotoluene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| 4-Isopropyltoluene | 1 | µg/L |
| 4-Methylpentan-2-one | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Acetone | 0.7 | µg/L |
| Acetonitrile | 2 | µg/L |
| Acrylonitrile | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Allyl Chloride | 1 | µg/L |
| Benzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Bromobenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Bromochloromethane | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Bromoform | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Butanone | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Carbon Disulfide | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Chloroacetonitrile | 5 | µg/L |
| Chlorobenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Chloroform | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Chloroprene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Dibromomethane | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Diethyl Ether | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Ethyl Methacrylate | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Ethylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Hexachloroethane | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Hexan-2-one | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Isopropylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Methacrylonitrile | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Methyl Acrylate | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Methyl Iodide | 5 | µg/L |
| Methyl Methacrylate | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Methylene Chloride | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Naphthalene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| n-Butylbenzene | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Nitrobenzene | 2 | µg/L |
| n-Propylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Propanenitrile | 0.5 | µg/L |
| sec-Butylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Styrene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| t-Butyl Methyl Ether | 0.2 | µg/L |
| t-Butylbenzene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Tetrachloroethene | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Tetrahydrofuran | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Toluene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Total BTEX | 0.5 | µg/L |
| Total THM | 1 | µg/L |
| Total Xylenes | 0.2 | µg/L |
| Trichloroethene | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Xylene m- + p- | 0.1 | µg/L |
| Xylene o- | 0.1 | µg/L |
*The analytes and LORs listed are validated in drinking water only and have not been determined for other matrices. This list should only be used as a guide to which analytes could potentially be identified and semi-quantitatively estimated in different matrices. As the matrix can impact the detection of these compounds, the laboratory does not guarantee the detection of these compounds or LORs in other matrices.