Bioanalytical techniques Flashcards
What is bioanalysis?
Bioanalysis is the chemical analysis of drugs and their metabolites, aiming to identify or quantify pharmaceutical substances in biological samples.
What types of biological materials are commonly used for bioanalysis?
Biological materials like blood, body fluids, and tissues can be obtained from living or deceased humans for standard care and research purposes.
Why is serum commonly used for drug measurement in bioanalysis?
Serum is commonly used for drug measurement because it provides clear information about drug concentrations in the body, helping to monitor patient compliance and determine correct drug levels.
What is the importance of sample preparation in bioanalysis?
Sample preparation separates the drug from biological samples in a suitable solvent for injection, removes interfering matrix elements, and ensures an appropriate drug concentration for detection and measurement.
What are some common techniques used for sample preparation?
Common techniques include:
Dilute and shoot
Protein precipitation
Liquid-liquid extraction
Solid-phase extraction
What is the role of immunoassays in bioanalysis?
Immunoassays are used to detect specific reactions between an antigen and antibody, providing a selective and automatic method for detecting drugs and their metabolites, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hCG or radioactive isotopes for thyroid hormones.
What is the difference between liquid chromatography (LC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)?
HPLC is an advanced form of liquid chromatography that offers greater precision and speed in separating compounds, making it highly suitable for complex samples and accurate drug measurements.
What is LC-MS/MS used for in bioanalysis?
LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry) is used for highly sensitive and specific analysis of drugs, metabolites, and other substances in biological samples.
What is the “limit of detection” in bioanalysis?
The limit of detection refers to the smallest amount of a drug or substance that can be reliably detected in a sample.
What factors should be considered when choosing between whole blood, serum, and plasma for drug analysis?
Factors include the type of analytes, the available equipment, the processing method, and the complexity of the sample matrix.
What is the difference between the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ)?
The LOD refers to the lowest amount of a substance that can be detected, while the LOQ refers to the smallest amount of a substance that can be accurately quantified with a significant signal.
Why is urine commonly used for drug abuse detection?
Urine is commonly used for drug detection because it is easy to collect, and drugs can be detected for a longer period compared to blood.
What characteristics should a valid bioanalytical method possess?
The method should be accurate, precise, specific, selective, sensitive, linear, and reproducible to ensure reliable drug analysis and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Why is sample labeling important in bioanalysis?
Sample labeling is crucial to ensure correct identification and tracking of samples, helping to prevent errors and ensure accurate results in the analysis process.
What are the advantages of using liquid-liquid extraction in sample preparation?
Liquid-liquid extraction is useful for obtaining cleaner samples and for sensitive methods, as it allows the separation of drugs using immiscible solvents, making it suitable for complex matrices.
