Plasma Sample Cleanup for Catecholamines Analysis Using Weak Cation Exchange Solid Phase Extraction

Abstract

Norepinephrine and epinephrine were isolated from human plasma at picogram levels by solid phase extraction (SPE), on a proprietary weak cation exchange silica based packing. Plasma samples were spiked with catecholamines at two concentrations to simulate body response to varying levels of stress. Recoveries of norepinephrine and epinephrine at both concentrations exceeded 95%.

An analysis of catecholamines by ion pair high-performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection is described.