Column-switching techniques for screening of diuretics and probenecid in urine samples

A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography using column-switching is described for the screening of diuretics and probenecid in urine samples. The system uses a 20- x 2.1-mm i.d. precolumn, packed with a Hypersil ODS-C18, 30-microns stationary phase, for the on-line sample cleanup and enrichment. Untreated urine samples are directly injected, and the precolumn is flushed for 1 min with water to eliminate polar matrix components. The retained analytes are then back-flushed by means of a six-port switching valve onto a Hypersil ODS-C18 analytical column (5 microns, 250- x 4-mm i.d.), where they are separated using an acetonitrile/phosphate buffer (pH = 3) gradient elution. Under these conditions, the separation and identification of diuretics and probenecid can be achieved with satisfactory selectivity and sensitivity. The described procedure is very simple and rapid since no off-line manipulation of the sample is required, the total analysis time being ca. 15 min.