A modified assay for cyclosporin in blood using solid-phase extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography.

A modified procedure for measuring cyclosporin in whole blood by high-performance liquid chromatography is described and evaluated for clinical use. Sample preparation uses solid-phase extraction cartridges that can be reused. Life of the reverse-phase analytical column exceeds 1,000 injections at 70 degrees C. Cyclosporins A and D (internal standard) elute after 5.6 and 7.6 min, respectively. Calibration plots are linear from 50 ng/ml to at least 2,000 ng/ml. Within-day and between-day imprecision is less than 9% (coefficient of variation). Minimum measurable concentration is 50 ng/ml.