Novel solid-phase extraction strategy for the isolation of basic drugs from whole blood. Preliminary study using commercially available extraction cartridges.

A novel strategy for the solid-phase extraction of basic drugs has been developed using commercial extraction cartridges. The procedure involves the sequential application of very different isolation mechanisms, viz. hydrophobic extraction on non-porous carbon followed by ionic extraction on a strong cation exchanger. This approach to extraction achieves both high recoveries and clean extracts when analysed by GC-MS. The potential for automation has been demonstrated using commercial sample preparation equipment.