We describe a new instrument for use in assay of therpeutic drugs in serum by "high-performance" liquid chromatography, the "FAST-LC" system (Technicon). Serum samples are aspirated directly into the unit, extracted with solvent, and the evaporated and redissolved extract is injected onto a chromatographic column. We illustrate the performance of the system by assays in serum for theophylline and four anticonvulsants (primidone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine) plus two of their active metabolites (phenylethylmalonamide and carbamazepine epoxide). For theophylline, final chromatograms are monitored at 270 nm, at analysis rates of 10/h. Concentration and absorbance are linearly related from 0 to 130 mg of theophylline per liter. For the anticonvulsants, chromatograms are monitored at 200 nm, at analysis rates of 7.5/h. The six individual determinations are each linear beyond the therapeutic range. For both drug panels, day-to-day CV's were 4 to 6%. Results correlate well with those by enzyme immunoassay. A total sample volume of 150 microL is required.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.