Trace analysis of methanol in rat serum by headspace high resolution gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring

A high resolution headspace gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring analytical method has been developed for the quantitation of methanol in body fluids. The addition of tetradeuterated methanol as internal standard gives this method high accuracy and reproducibility. The high sensitivity of the mass spectrometer permits analysis of methanol in aqueous solutions at concentrations down to 0. 012 mg/l. The analytical procedure described was used to measure serum methanol in rats given 5 mg/kg of this alcohol orally. The method proved suitable for analysis of endogenous levels of methanol and of variations close to endogenous levels.