Static headspace sampling, headspace solidphase microextraction, and direct immersion solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry have been developed for determination of the volatile components in Radix bupleuri injection. A total of 78 compounds were identified from Radix bupleuri injection. Direct immersion solid-phase microextraction gave a better extraction efficiency for polar compounds, including organic acids and alcohols, than headspace solidphase microextraction or static headspace sampling. Product ion isotope pattern analysis was applied to determine the elemental composition of the precursor ion, which could make the qualitative analysis more accurate and reliable.

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