Related Experiment Videos
High-performance liquid chromatography of alprazolam in postmortem blood using solid-phase extraction
M A Hall1, C A Robinson, R M Brissie
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology 35233, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Forensic toxicologists face challenges analyzing newer benzodiazepines like alprazolam. A modified high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method successfully quantifies alprazolam in whole blood, aiding toxicological investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Screening and analysis of benzodiazepines, particularly newer low-dose formulations, pose significant challenges for forensic toxicologists.
- Traditional methods often rely on clinical history or medical examiner findings due to analytical difficulties.
- Alprazolam, a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, requires sensitive and specific detection methods in biological samples.
Observation:
- Four forensic cases involving alprazolam were investigated.
- A modified serum high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure was adapted for whole blood analysis.
- The analytical method involved protein precipitation followed by solid-phase extraction.
Findings:
- The modified HPLC method demonstrated sensitivity down to 18 ng/mL for alprazolam in whole blood.
- The assay was linear within the range of 18 to 200 ng/mL.
- Average recovery for alprazolam in postmortem blood samples was 84% at spiked concentrations of 18 and 150 ng/mL.
Implications:
- This validated HPLC method provides a reliable tool for quantifying alprazolam in postmortem whole blood.
- The enhanced analytical capability can improve the accuracy of forensic toxicological assessments.
- Accurate detection of alprazolam aids in understanding its role in postmortem cases and potential drug toxicity.