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Rapid and sensitive detection of benzodiazepines and zopiclone in serum using high-performance thin-layer chromatography

1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 669; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0378-4347(95)00104-q

1872-812X

Kenji Otsubo, Hironori Seto, Koujiro Futagami, Ryozo Oishi,

Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

We developed a rapid and sensitive method of identifying benzodiazepines and zopiclone in human serum using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). These drugs were developed and separated on plates within 8-11 min and detected by means of UV radiation and colour. Each drug was accurately identified by means of the values of RF x 100 and the spot colour in three systems. The detection limit of the benzodiazepines in serum was 0.1-0.4 micrograms/ml, except for cloxazolam and haloxazolam. The sensitivity was increased about ten-fold over the conventional method. These results suggested that the HPTLC system is useful for the initial detection and identification of these drugs in emergencies.