Patent ID: 6825046
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for carrying out solid phase microextraction of target analytes included in a fluid or a solid sample, comprising gas tight enclosure means for receiving the sample before the enclosure is made gas tight, means located within the enclosure means for extracting the target analytes from the sample, and means located outside of the enclosure means for chemically desorbing the target analytes by solvent extraction by a micro-volume of solvent, wherein the extraction means includes a solid support in the form of multiple fibres which may be coated or uncoated, the fibres and/or the coating being selected, based upon selectivity of the fibres and/or coating for multiple analytes present in the sample, and for simultaneous extraction of the multiple analytes, and wherein the extraction means either samples a head space near the sample or samples the sample directly, and additionally comprising means for shielding the fibers from the atmosphere, such that the fibers are drawn up inside the shield means, providing a tight fit between the fibers and the shield, and the extracted analytes are shielded from volatizing into the atmosphere.