A modified method for the determination of halothane and other halogen-containing anaesthetics.

DUNCAN (1959) described a method for determining halothane in tissues, body fluids and gases, based on the liberation of chloride and bromide ions by the action of an ethereal solution of lithium aluminium hydride. The reagent is somewhat troublesome to prepare and can only be kept under conditions which rigidly exclude moisture. Some workers have experienced difficulties in obtaining anhydrous ether and the method presents some fire hazard. In this note we show diat lithium aluminium hydride can conveniently be replaced by finely dispersed sodium which is available in an easily handled form. Apart from the reduction stage and the destruction of the excess of reagent the procedure is identical with that described by Duncan.