DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLID LIQUID EXTRACTION METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF TOXICDRUGS IN SERUM USING AN AUTOMATED LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPH - THE REMEDI/

The aim of this work was to develop a procedure for analysis of drugs in serum using a chromatographic apparatus marketed by the Bio-Rad com pany. This automated apparatus, the Remedi, can identify nearly 200 su bstances and metabolites in biological fluids. The method for pretreat ment of serum recommended by the manufacturer is inefficient. We thus decided to develop and validate an extraction method for analysis of s erum. Our method extends column life and improves the sensitivity of t he Remedi for the detection of drugs. For psychotropic drugs, a study was carried out that enables a semi-quantitative evaluation of blood l evels to be made. In addition, the Sera of patients admitted to hospit al for intentional drug overdosage were studied to compare the results obtained using the Remedi and Emit techniques, and also to compare th ese results with toxicological data obtained by questioning the patien t and his immediate circle.