Fast and Simple LC-MS/MS Method for Rifampicin Quantification in Human Plasma

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Rifampicin is a crucial antibiotic for treating tuberculosis.
• Accurate quantification of rifampicin in plasma is essential for effective treatment and pharmacokinetic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simple, fast, and cost-effective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for rifampicin quantification in human plasma.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Captiva ND Lipids filtration plate for sample cleanup.
• Employed a 1290 Infinity liquid chromatograph with a 6460 Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometer.
• Achieved chromatographic separation on a core-shell Kinetex C18 column using gradient elution.

Main Results:

• Developed the fastest method to date for rifampicin analysis, with sample prep around 1 minute and a total run time of 2.4 minutes.
• Demonstrated outstanding sensitivity and a wide analytical range (5-40000 μg/L) with excellent linearity, accuracy, and precision.
• Achieved high recovery (92%) and minimal matrix effects, validated across plasma samples from multiple volunteers.

Conclusions:

• The validated LC-MS/MS method is highly suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic analysis of rifampicin.
• Its speed, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable tool for clinical applications.
• Successfully applied to quantify rifampicin in 340 patient plasma samples, confirming its practical utility.