Automated headspace solid-phase microextraction and on-fiber derivatization for the determination of clenbuterol in meat products by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

A method was developed for the determination of clenbuterol in meat using stable-isotope-dilution gas chromatography with mass spectrometry coupled with solid-phase microextraction and on-fiber derivatization. The samples were first homogenized with hydrochloric acid followed by protein deposition. After headspace solid-phase microextraction and on-fiber derivatization, the content of clenbuterol was measured with the aid of stable-isotope dilution. The condition of solid-phase microextraction was optimized by central composite design. The relative standard deviations, limit of detection, and recoveries for clenbuterol were 4.2-9.2%, 0.48 mu g/kg, and 96-104%, respectively. The proposed method was satisfactory for analysis of real samples as compared with the Chinese standard method.