Microanalysis of propofol in human serum by semi-microcolumn high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and solid-phase extraction.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a simple analytical method for monitoring the low serum levels of propofol found when administered for the sedation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).


METHODS
A high-performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) was used with UV detection. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and a semi-microcolumn (TSK gel ODS-80Ts, 2.0 mm i.d. x 25 cm, 5 microm) were used to improve sensitivity. Propofol in the eluate obtained from the SPE cartridge was concentrated to about five times the initial concentration.


RESULTS
The sensitivity using the semi-microcolumn was amplified by about three-fold. The assay showed a good linearity with a quantification limit 20 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 2.2% and 10.0%, respectively. The mean recoveries ranged from 97.6 to 109.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The HPLC method described should be useful for measuring the low serum propofol levels found when the drug is used for ICU sedation.
Teshima
D
D
Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Fukuoka, Japan. dteshima@st.hosp.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Nagahama
H
H
Makino
K
K
Kataoka
Y
Y
Oishi
R
R
D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D015742:Propofol