Application of HPLC with photodiode array detection for systematic toxicological analyses of drug groups

During four years experience high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection has been proved to be the demanded method of systematic toxicological analysis (STA) for unknown drugs in biological sample because of separation efficiency, sensitivity, flexibility and identification potential. HPLC can be an easy way of quantitation as well. Ultraviolet spectra acquired with Waters 990+ photodiode array detector together with retention data are used to identify unknown or suspected drugs and metabolites in various biological material often after basic TLC examination of urine. At present spectrum library used for comparison involves 180 spectra of standards in acid and neutral media. Various sample preparation procedures have been tested and till now eight isocratic liquid chromatographic systems have been used routinely for sensitive screening in small samples, identification and/or quantitative assays of drug groups. These analytical systems are suitable for toxicological examinations of forensic cases, acute poisonings, drug abuse. They are convenient to subsequent monitoring of serum drug levels during treatment of an intoxication as well.