A sensitive liquid-chromatographic method for determination of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) in plasma and urine

We describe a liquid-chromatographic assay for AZT in human plasma and urine. This assay involves the use of two internal standards, allowing reference of AZT peaks to the appropriate internal standard, the choice depending on the range of concentrations encountered. This method is isocratic, specific, sensitive enough to allow quantification of AZT in concentrations observed clinically, and requires only 13 min of chromatographic time. We saw no interference from various over-the-counter and prescription drugs often used in treating the infectious complications of AIDS.