Rapid analysis for theophylline in serum by use of high-pressure cation-exchange chromatography.

We have developed a quantitative assay for serum theophylline by high-pressure cation-exchange chromatography. As little as 0.1-ml aliquots of serum were prepared for analysis simply by diluting them with a solution of the internal standard (8-chlorotheophylline). Theophylline and the internal standard were eluted in 17 and 27.5 min, respectively, and the peaks for them were distinct from those of other xanthines and uric acids. We encountered no interference when we used: (a) plasma obtained from blood anticoagulated with citrate; (b) hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric serum; or (c) 52 samples from patients who were receiving various other medications. An analysis of calibration suggested that errors greater than plus or minus 2.6 mg/liter, a clinically acceptable range, were highly unlikely. Sensitivity was sufficient to identify less than 2.5 mg/liter. This assay was compared with the usual method involving solvent extraction and absorbance measurement in the ultraviolet and found to have similar accuracy, although it is easier, faster, requires less sample, and potentially is more specific.