| Analytical labs worldwide demand high sample throughput, fast reporting of results, reduced operating costs, and instruments that occupy minimum benchspace. Surprisingly, many chromatography analyses consume less time than preparing the sample for analysis. In fact, two-thirds of analysis time is typically spent on the sampling and sample preparation steps because most procedures are based on nineteenth century technologies that are time- and labor-intensive, contain multiple steps that can lose analytes, and use toxic organic solvents. To illustrate, a recent survey of HPLC and GC users stated that 90% of the respondents use two or more preparation techniques per sample [1]. As a result, integrating several sample preparation and separation methods is very difficult without some kind of human intervention. And, of course, the possibility for error (human, systematic, or contamination) occurs with each additional step. |
| The goal of sample preparation is to produce samples with the highest analyte concentration possible and the lowest level of contamination, thereby maximizing the analyte signal while minimizing interferences in the subsequent analysis. Obviously, this goal should be achieved with the easiest to reproduce and least costly procedure. Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME), extracts the analytes of interest without additional sampling or technician time, and consequently minimizes the chance for human or systematic error. Moreover, SPME does not require additional solvents or benchspace. It can be used for field sampling, such as streams, air, and fire residue, or it can be easily automated using a single fiber to sequentially sample from numerous vials, then desorb the sample into a gas or liquid chromatograph. It fulfills the laboratory requirements of productivity and reduced costs; therefore, it is an attractive sample preparation technique to replace the traditional techniques of static headspace, purge and trap, liquid/liquid extraction, and Sohxlet extraction. |
| SPME has been commercially available for only five years and new applications are being developed and published rapidly. Nevertheless, as with any rapidly developing technique, chemists have had to conduct their own literature search to determine if the technique may apply to their work. This comprehensive |
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