ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the reader with a basic introduction to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), with particular emphasis on the practical and applied aspects, as well as the advantages and limitations of the technology as they relate to biological samples. It also provides sufficient background and examples to establish a sound foundation of knowledge, so that potential and users can make informed decisions regarding SFE method development and implementation in the analytical toxicology laboratory. The chapter identifies certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials to adequately specify the experimental procedure. The accuracy of the analytical techniques used for trace analyte detection depends on the adequacy of the sample preparation method used to isolate the target species from the sample matrix. The possession of unique properties intermediate between those of gases and liquids makes supercritical fluids attractive alternatives to conventional liquid solvents for the extraction of trace analytes from complex matrices.
