Rapid, specific method for diethylstilbestrol analysis using an in-line photochemical reactor with high-performance...

Low ppb levels of diethylstilbestrol in biological samples of human and animal origin can be determined using a unique in-line separation-photoreaction-fluorescence detection analytical system. After a very simple extraction procedure, the diethylstilbestrol is separated from interfering substances by high-performance liquid chromatography, photoconverted to a fluorescent product, and detected by fluorescence spectroscopy at optimised excitation-emission wavelengths. A sample can be extracted and analysed in less than 1 h.