GC-MS assay for acetaminophen in human hair segments

A detailed procedure for sensitive analysis of acetaminophen (APAP) in human hair segments by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is reported. The limit of quantitation was as low as 0.1 ng/mg. The linear concentration range of the assay was 0.1-10 ng/mg. The interday and intraday coefficients of variation were below 10%. The method was successfully applied to hair analysis of APAP in an actual poisoning case.