High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of alpha-amanitin and phalloidin in human plasma using the column-switching technique and its application in suspected cases of poisoning by the green species of amanita mushroom (Amanita phalloides).

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic assay has been developed for the simultaneous determination of alpha-amanitin and phalloidin in human plasma. The procedure is based on the enrichment of the toxins on a pre-column, followed by the transfer of both compounds in a foreflush mode to the analytical column. alpha-Amanitin and phalloidin can be quantified reliably down to a minimum concentration of 10 ng/ml in plasma (relative standard deviation less than 10%). An alternative method is recommended for hepatic coma patients.