Chapter 1 - Sample preparation for the analysis of drugs in biological fluids

Abstract

Abstract Sample preparation techniques for the analysis of therapeutic drug in biological sample matrices have been overviewed. On the basis of the recent requirements for analytical separations, any undesirable compounds that may affect the performance in the subsequent analysis must be eliminated in advance. In addition a satisfactory sensitivity can be obtained with an appropriate choice of the sample preparation method for each sample matrix. High throughput processing of the sample pre-treatment is also required for real sample analysis in clinical situations. As well as conventional liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) technique, solid-phase extraction (SPE) using particulate packing materials, solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) and the techniques derived from it, and other modern miniaturized sample preparation methods were briefly summarized. The coupling and/or combination of the sample preparation methods with separation instruments such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) is described as well.