A method for the gas chromatographic analysis of inhalation anaesthetics in whole blood by direct injection into a simple precolumn device.

A simple heated precolumn device constructed from standard gas chromatographic components is described and evaluated. The device permits the analysis of concentrations of anaesthetic agents by direct injection of whole blood containing a suitable internal standard. A method is described for the analysis of halothane, chloroform, trichloroethylene, and methoxyflurane. The procedure is rapid and of acceptable accuracy.