Integrated sample collection and handling for drug discovery bioanalysis

An integrated sample handling process for drug discovery bioanalysis is des cribed. The streamlining of study design, sample collection and automatic b ioanalytical sample processing is demonstrated. Specific details for the en tire procedure regarding the time saved, east: of automation and integratio n are defined. Details of sample handling involved a sample collection Inaa ?, sample collection formatting and volume, dilution schemes for high conce ntration samples, choice of biological fluid and evaluating the capabilitie s of two liquid-handling workstations. Numerous comparisons were conducted between the new approaches and the conventional sample handling approaches. The precision and accuracy obtained from the new integrated sample handlin g process were comparable to those obtained from a conventional approach, a s were pharmacokinetic profiles and parameters. This new sampling process g reatly improved the efficiency of drug discovery bioanalysis. The integrati on of pre-clinical protocol design, sample collection and bioanalysis proce sses was also achieved. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.