Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene Fatality: Case Report and Simple Headspace SPME-Capillary Gas Chromatographic Determination in Tissues

Abstract

We describe a simple, precise, and sensitive assay of tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene in tissues, suitable both for emergency cases and forensic medicine. The method employs headspace solid phase microextraction-capillary gas chromatography and electron capture detection. The case is relative to a 45-year-old woman discovered unconscious in a laundry area. The concentrations of the solvents in tissues were determined and compared to other previously published fatalities.