Comparison of a gas chromatographic and colorimetric method for the determination of plasma paracetamol

Plasma paracetamol levels have generally been determined either by gas chromatography (Stewart and Willis, 1975), which relies on complex equipment, or by spectrophotometry (Knepil, 1974), which can be time-consuming. The introduction by Glynn and Kendal (1975) of a simple colorimetric method based on the reaction of paracetamol with nitrous acid to give 2-nitro-4-acetamidophenol appears to have overcome these disadvantages, thereby providing a suitable procedure for the rapid measurement of plasma paracetamol in cases of overdose. The method was reported to be specific for paracetamol, no interference being caused either by the sulphate and glucuronide conjugates of paracetamol or by a large number of other commonly found drugs. This communication presents the results of a study in which plasma paracetamol levels determined by the colorimetric method were compared with those determined by an established gas chromatographic technique.