Solid-phase microextraction

In recent years, much attention in analytical chemistry has been paid to sample preparation techniques, especially those which minimise the consumption of organic solvents. One of the most promising of these, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), is presented in both its theoretical and practical aspects. Conditions which affect its performance are assessed, as are the problems which may arise from its use. Finally, some typical applications are listed, highlighting the method's sensitivity and precision, and the range of samples where SPME can be used successfully. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.