An automated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry system coupled on-line with microdialysis for the in vivo analysis of contrast agents

An automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/mass spectrometry instrument coupled on-line with a microdialysis probe is described for the analysis of contrast agents in biological fluids. This system is used for pharmacokinetic and structure elucidation studies of contrast agents used in X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging investigations. Additionally an LC/MS system for the direct analysis of urine, that obviates the need for conventional sample clean-up, is described.