Rapid Point-of-Care Assessment of Paracetamol Intoxication via an Integrated Electrochemical-Colorimetric Method
Anne A Macedo1, Dilton M Pimentel2, Karla A O Souza3,4
1Departaments of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Dos Vales Do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), 39100000 Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|March 16, 2026
Summary
This study presents a novel point-of-care sensor for detecting paracetamol (PAR) in human serum. The integrated colorimetric and electrochemical method offers rapid, selective, and reliable quantification for diagnosing paracetamol intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Biosensors
Background:
- Paracetamol (PAR) overdose is a common clinical emergency requiring rapid quantification in serum.
- Existing portable methods for PAR detection often lack comprehensive interference studies or fail to cover the full toxic concentration range.
- Accurate and timely assessment of PAR levels is crucial for effective clinical management and reducing mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an integrated point-of-care sensing approach for the detection and quantification of paracetamol in human serum.
- To address limitations of previous methods by incorporating a robust interference study and covering therapeutic and toxic concentration ranges.
- To provide a reliable and rapid diagnostic tool for clinical settings to aid in the management of paracetamol intoxication.
Main Methods:
- A novel sensing approach combining colorimetric reagents (CR) with screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPE-Gr).
- Dual confirmation analysis: initial color change for rapid intoxication indication, followed by square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry for precise quantification.
- Testing with real human serum samples, including a comprehensive interference study to assess selectivity and reliability.
Main Results:
- Achieved a wide linear range for PAR determination (4.5 to 1000 mg L-1) with a low limit of detection (1.2 mg L-1).
- Demonstrated high reproducibility with low relative standard deviations (RSDs < 2.0%) across multiple disposable SPE-Gr.
- Validated the method's selectivity and reliability in real human serum samples, confirming its suitability for clinical application.
Conclusions:
- The proposed combined electrochemical-colorimetric method is a suitable point-of-care sensor for paracetamol determination.
- This sensor enables prompt and straightforward diagnosis of paracetamol intoxication, potentially reducing mortality rates.
- The integrated approach offers a practical solution for rapid clinical analysis of paracetamol in biological samples.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Effects of EDTA on End-Point Detection Methods
739
Different methods, such as visual observance of metal-ion indicators, spectroscopic techniques, and potentiometric methods, can determine the endpoint of an EDTA titration.
In the visual method, metal-ion indicators (metallochromic dyes), which have distinct colors in their free and complex forms, are added to the mixture to signal the titration's end point. They form stable complexes with metal ions, but these complexes are weaker than the corresponding metal–EDTA complexes. As a...
In the visual method, metal-ion indicators (metallochromic dyes), which have distinct colors in their free and complex forms, are added to the mixture to signal the titration's end point. They form stable complexes with metal ions, but these complexes are weaker than the corresponding metal–EDTA complexes. As a...
739
01:19Precipitation Titration: Endpoint Detection Methods
6.3K
In argentometric precipitation titrations, endpoints can be detected visually by the Mohr, Volhard, and Fajans methods. In the Mohr method, adding a soluble chromate indicator gives an initial yellow color to the analyte solution. As the titrant is added, the first excess of silver ions forms a red silver chromate precipitate, marking the endpoint. The solution pH should be maintained at about 8 by adding solid CaCO3.
In the Volhard method, a standard excess of AgNO3 is first added to the...
In the Volhard method, a standard excess of AgNO3 is first added to the...
6.3K