Gas chromatography mass spectrometry assay for ketamine and its metabolites in plasma

A highly sensitive and specific method for quantitation of ketamine and two of its metabolites found in monkey, dog and human plasma was developed using a gas chromatography selected ion monitoring assay operated in both electron impact and chemical ionization modes. This technique yields excellent precision, reproducibility and accuracy. From 1 ng to 3 microgram of ketamine or its metabolites in 1 ml of plasma can be detected. The technique of electron capture gas chromatography is compared. All three assays were found to be quite useful but the gas chromatography mass spectrometry techniques were more specific.