A rapid, sensitive technique to assay penicillamine levels in blood and urine

We have used a rapid, sensitive technique to assay penicillamine and its disulphide metabolites in body fluids. Penicillamine in serum is rapidly oxidized and the serum levels of the reduced material found in a pilot study of 10 patients ranged between 0.07 to 0.28 mg%. This technique may prove useful in allowing closer monitoring of therapy with this agent.