[Analytical methods I]

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Accurate drug quantification in biological samples is crucial for therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacokinetic studies, and forensic investigations.
• Traditional analytical methods like spectrophotometry and fluorometry are widely employed for drug analysis.
• The need for reliable and validated assays is paramount in clinical and research settings.

Purpose:

• To compile and review frequently used analytical methods for drug determination in biological fluids.
• To discuss the reliability criteria and validation of these quantitative assays.
• To compare the performance of chromatographic methods with other techniques such as labeling and microbiology.

Summary:

• This work systematically reviews common analytical techniques, including spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and quantitative chromatography, for assessing drug concentrations in biological matrices.
• It provides an in-depth discussion on the reliability and validation parameters essential for these bioanalytical assays.
• Comparative analysis of results obtained through different methodologies, including radiolabeling and microbiological assays, is presented.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of established and emerging analytical strategies for drug analysis.
• Highlights the importance of assay validation and reliability in ensuring accurate and reproducible results.
• Facilitates informed selection of appropriate analytical methods based on specific research or clinical needs.