Automated analysis of terbutaline (BricanylR) in human plasma with liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection using column-switching (multidimensional chromatography)

Summary An automated method based on liquid chromatography has been developed for the determination of terbutaline in human plasma in the range of 5–50 pmole·ml^–1. The necessary sensitivity and selectivity was obtained by using electrochemical detection and a microprocessor-controlled column switching system. A combination of three columns was used: a C₈ type for pre-separation, a C₁₈ type for trapping and, for final separation, a strongly acidic ion exchanger. The accuracy of the method was examined by comparison with a method based on gas chromatography — mass spectrometry. The overall precision was ±3.5% and ±2.2% respectively at 5 and 50 pmole·ml^–1. The total absolute recovery for terbutaline and internal standard at the above concentration levels were in the range 85–106%.Presented at the 14th International Symposium on Chromatography London, September, 1982