The transfer of a high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection method for the determination in serum of psychotropic drugs

The relevance of the determination of blood concentration levels of psychotropic drugs has been demonstrated in Rwanda. However, due to the lack of appropriate analytical methods, such activity is not carried out in this country. Objective: The aim of this work was to transfer to a Rwandan laboratory a High Performance Liquid Chromatography based method, applicable for the determination in serum of psychotropic drugs commonly prescribed in Rwanda. Method: Liquid-liquid extraction using prazepam as internal standard was used for sample preparation. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Symmetry C8 analytical column, using acetonitrile and a phosphate buffer as mobile phase. The method was validated with respect to total error concept as decision criterion. Results: The validated method was linear over tested dosing intervals with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.99 for all analytes. The precision was good with RSD between 1.3 and 15.6 % and the trueness ranged between 87 and 109 %.
The accuracy of the method was demonstrated as well. Conclusion: The analytical method allowing a simultaneous determination in serum of several antipsychotropic drugs was successfully validated and thus transferred to the Laboratory of Analysis of Foodstuffs,
Drugs, Water and Toxics (Rwanda).