Gas-chromatographic determination of ethanol in blood with 0.53-mm fused-silica open tubular columns.

Several 0.53 mm (i.d.) fused-silica open tubular columns were evaluated for the gas-chromatographic determination of ethanol and other volatiles in blood by both headspace and liquid injection. These columns offer the advantages of fused-silica technology without requiring expensive modification of the instrument for capillary. Methyl silicone columns of various lengths and film thicknesses were examined and also a polyethylene glycol column. The merits of each column are discussed and relative retention times are given.