High-Resolution Gas Chromatographic/High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Human Adipose Tissue for 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

An analytical method Is described for measuring 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodlbenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and other TCDD isomers in human tissue samples using a highly specific cleanup procedure and high-resolution gas chromatography/hlgh-resolution mass spectrometry. The 2,3,7,8-TCDD Is quantified by the isotope dilution technique with [¹³C₁₂]2,3,7,8-TCDD as the Internal standard. Other TCDD isomers are estimated by use of relative response factors. The 1 pad-per-trillion (pptr) limit of detection is adequate for determining 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations present In human adipose tissue specimens. Analytical accuracy Is demonstrated by the results obtained In analyzing several spiked samples. The method Is shown to be unaffected by a number of potentially interfering compounds. A series of quality control material is used to verify system performance. For samples containing 1.6 pptr 2,3,7,8-TCDD, a coefficient of variation (CV) of 19% is observed. For samples at the 8.4 pptr level, a CV of 11% Is observed.