Analysis of Digoxin and Metildigoxin in Whole Blood Using Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
2012

Method for Analyzing Digoxin and Metildigoxin in Blood

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Paula Melo, Rita Machado, Helena M. Teixeira

Primary Institution: National Institute of Legal Medicine, North Branch

Hypothesis

A sensitive and rapid method for the identification and quantification of digoxin and metildigoxin in whole blood can be developed using UPLC-MS/MS.

Conclusion

The developed UPLC-MS/MS method is specific, sensitive, and suitable for routine forensic analysis of digoxin and metildigoxin in postmortem blood samples.

Supporting Evidence

  • The method showed high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.09 ng/mL.
  • Percentage recovery ranged from 83 to 100% for digoxin and from 62 to 94% for metildigoxin.
  • The method was validated according to ICH guidelines for selectivity, linearity, and precision.

Takeaway

This study created a quick and accurate way to test for certain heart medications in blood, which is important for understanding cases of poisoning.

Methodology

The method involved solid-phase extraction followed by UPLC-MS/MS for the analysis of digoxin and metildigoxin in whole blood.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on the analysis of digoxin and metildigoxin, and may not be applicable to other cardiac glycosides.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/975824

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication