Plasma level determination of 1,4-butanedisulphonate by ion chromatography and conductimetric detection

A rapid, specific and reproducible liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of 1,4-butanedisulphonate in plasma. The method involves protein precipitation with perchloric acid, precipitation of perchlorate ions by addition of potassium carbonate followed by ion chromatography on an ion-exchange column connected with a conductimetric detector. Calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range 2.5-25 micrograms/ml; the intra-assay precision was < or equal to 3.6% and the inter-assay precision was < or equal to 5.8%. The analyte was stable in plasma and in perchloric acid at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The assay procedure was applied to monitoring plasma levels in animals receiving chronic intravenous and oral administration of the analyte.