Sevoflurane analysis in forensic cases using headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: A case study

Abstract

The objective is to present a case study related to forensic analysis of Sevoflurane Using Head Space (HS)-GCMS. For qualitative detection of volatile substances, this methodology might be helpful in conducting forensic analysis of such substances. Sevoflurane is an ether inhalation general anaesthetic agent. Sevoflurane is a volatile nonflammable fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether inhaled anaesthetic, chemically related to desflurane and isoflurane (C. M. Rosales, J. Forensic Sci., 2007, 52, 1408–1410). The low solubility and the absence of pungency facilitate rapid mask induction. It has been used as an inhaled anaesthetic since 1985. Its major distribution is initially to areas of high blood flow (brain, heart, liver and kidney) and later to less perfused organs. Sevoflurane can cause cardio-respiratory depression, hypotension, and malignant hyperthermia (M. Adachi, J. Anaesth., 1992, 68, 214–215). Seizures (convulsions) can occur during anaesthesia with Sevoflurane but Sevoflurane related deaths are rare. Various studies have been conducted for detection and quantification of Sevoflurane in postmortem and toxicological studies. The case was submitted at PFSA (Punjab Forensic Science Agency) for analysis consisting of bottle of suspected narcotics. The bottle was recovered from accused committing offence of criminal intimidation, life threat and physically assaulting his ex-wife and children. He trespassed into house and sprayed her with some bottle in order to molest her. He also threatened her children and his father in-law with pistol. The suspected bottle of spray was analyzed qualitatively using HS-GC-MS with slight modification in already validated method. About 1–2 mL of liquid was taken in headspace vial and heated up to 50–60oC (for vaporization) and about 1–2 μL of headspace sample was injected manually in GC. A gas chromatographic system 7890B series (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA, USA) coupled to MS detector. Agilent HP-5MS Ultra Inert column (30 m length, 250 μm ID, with film thickness of 0.25 μm) (D. Bourdeaux, J. Chromatogr. B. Analyt. Technol. Biomed. Life Sci., 2010, 878, 45–50). was used for the separation of constituents. Injection volume of 1 μL was used in split mode in 20:1 ratio at 250 °C. Helium gas was used as carrier gas with 1 mL/min flow rate with inlet pressure 12.051 psi. Oven temperature for GC column at 50 °C upheld for 2 min and then gradually increased to 150 °C at 50 °C/min for 1 minute. The total run time was set up for 5 min. The temperature for MS source and MS Quad were 230 °C and 150 °C respectively. Scan mode for m/z from 43–220 was done. Agilent GC Chemstation was used for data analysis. Results were compared with reference book (C. Maffat, Clark's Analysis of Drug and Poisons. 3rd. London-Chicago: Pharmaceutical Press, 2004, 2, 1558–1559). This exceptional crime case of using sevoflurane bottle for threatening and attacking received in our lab was evaluated for the presence of suspected drug. The sample analyzed using HS-GCMS showed a single peak on chromatogram at 1.282 + 0.01 minutes and the MS ions were matched with reference MS spectrum showing Sevoflurane which is being used as inhalation anaesthetic. Various studies suggested that Sevoflurane could possible cause irreversible circulatory depression and hypoxia and may cause death. It is the new case of decapitation with sevoflurane. The reported method is quite short and efficient in detection of Sevoflurane using HS-GCMS.