[Gas chromatographic determination of nitroglycerin in human plasma]

A selective and sensitive method for the determination of nitroglycerin in human plasma is described. The drug and 1,3-dinitrobenzene as internal standard were extracted from plasma with n-hexane followed by a concentration step. A further cleaning of extract is not necessary. Measurements are made by GLC on a packed OV-17/QF-1 column using electron capture detection. The standard curve for the determination of nitroglycerin was linear over the concentration range from 0.2 to 30 ng/ml plasma. The detection limit was 0.1 ng/ml. The assay may be used for pharmacokinetic studies as well as drug monitoring in the clinical laboratory.