Application of diode array detectors for solute identification in toxicological analysis

Summary The possibilities and limitation of automated solute identification via UV/VIS spectroscopy in HPLC are demonstrated and applications in toxicologic analysis are described. A standard isocratic system is used. The influence of various chromatographic parameters on retention time is shown. A retention time window of ±15% is required. In addition to retention time, derived spectral data are calculated (minima and maxima of derivatives, area counts under standardized spectral ranges, absorption at various wavelength) and used for positive solute identification. It is possible to identify solutes with a high degree of certainty in urine and plasma if their concentration is at least 10 ppm.