VALIDATED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF CARBOPLATIN IN BIOLOGICAL-FLUIDS BY ZEEMAN ATOMIC-ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY

We have developed and validated a rapid, simple and sensitive analytic al method, based on Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry, for the qua ntitative analysis of carboplatin in human plasma, plasma-ultrafiltrat e (UF), saliva and urine. The sample pretreatment is simple and only i nvolves dilution of the samples with a solution containing 0.15 mol/L NaCl and 0.2 mol/L HCl in water (diluent). The carboplatin concentrati ons in the different biological matrices could be quantified using a s tandard curve constructed in plasma UF: diluent (1:10; v/v). The valid ated range of determination was 0.24 to 242 mu mol/L of carboplatin in plasma UF, 0.84 to 242 mu mol/L in plasma, 0.12 to 3.64 mu mol/L in s aliva, and 2.02 mu mol/L to 12.1 mmol/L in urine. Matrix-effects were not observed. The stability of carboplatin (determined as Pt) in biolo gical samples stored at - 20 degrees C was checked for a period of 8 m onths; no losses occurred during this period. The performance of the m ethod, in terms of accuracy and precision, fitted well within the gene rally accepted criteria for validation of analytical methodologies. Th e proposed method was utilized in a pharmacokinetic study in one patie nt to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay.