Simplified method for determination of organochlorine pollutants in human serum by solid-phase disk extraction and gas chromatography

Solid-phase disk extraction (SPDE) was developed as an improved method for isolation of selected organochlorine pollutants from human serum. An EmporeTM C18 bonded silica extraction disk cartridge was used for the initial extraction and enrichment of the analytes. Subsequent clean-up was done by adsorption chromatography on concentrated sulphuric acid:silica gel (1:1, w/w). Analysis was achieved by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry or electron capture detection on two different capillary columns. Recoveries for selected organochlorines range from 62% to 74% (RSD<14%). The method was validated through successful participation to several interlaboratory tests and by analysis of human serum with different organochlorine loading.