A simple and rapid method for detection of paraquat in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

We have developed an effective analytical method to determine the concentration of paraquat in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which can provide methodological support for diagnosis, therapy, and prognostic evaluation of acute poisoning related to paraquat. The plasma samples were deproteinized with 35% perchloric acid. Then the paraquat was extracted from the samples and separated on Ultimate XB-C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1 M phosphate buffer (containing 75 mM sodium heptane sulfonate) and methyl cyanides (PH 3.0), flow rate of 1 mL/min, column temperature of 28°C and a detection wave length on 258 nm. A good linearity was obtained within the range of 0.2 to 500 g/ml in human plasma. The average rate of absolute and relative recovery were about 100.6% and 101.31%, accompanied by the variations less than 3% and 6% respectively. The within- and between-day relative standard deviations were all less than 6%. After repeated freeze and thaw of plasma samples, no significant difference was observed for the concentration of paraquat (P>0.05). The method was validated by successfully applying in one patient with acute paraquat poisoning. Due to the celerity, accuracy and no-interference by other components of blood sample, this method was suitable for determination the concentration of paraquat in human plasma.