Validated Matrix Matched Quantification of Ethyl Chloride in Postmortem Biological Samples Using HS-GC-FID: Lung as the Optimal Tissue and Temporal Detection Dynamics

Aydogan H. C., Tümer A. R., Akçan R., Yıldırım M. Ş., Gürler M.

TOXICS, vol.13, no.12, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 13 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/toxics13121024
  • Journal Name: TOXICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Ethyl chloride, a volatile anesthetic with high abuse potential, remains forensically undercharacterized postmortem. In an inhalation model (n = 30), male Wistar rats were exposed to 86,000 ppm ethyl chloride under real-time PID monitoring; blood, lung, liver and brain (plus exploratory adipose, kidney, muscle) were sampled at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 12 h postmortem. A matrix-matched HS-GC-FID method was validated (Eurochem): linearity (R2 = 0.9947-0.9965), LOD 0.01-0.02 ng/mu L, LOQ 0.04-0.06 ng/mu L, precision RSD 3.9-5.1%, recovery 90-104%, full selectivity against common volatiles. Lung yielded the highest concentrations overall; a significant decline occurred in lung between 2 h and 4 h (Pillai's Trace p = 0.034). Concentrations became increasingly irregular >= 6 h across tissues. Early autopsy sampling, preferably within <= 6 h, optimizes ethyl chloride detectability. The validated matrix-matched HS-GC-FID protocol provides a cost-effective, robust alternative to MS platforms for volatile screening in routine forensic practice and supports prioritizing lung for analysis.