An improved trace analysis for N-nitrosoureas from biological media.

1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, BCNU, a widely used anticancer agent for a variety of neoplasms, can be rapidly, conveniently, and inexpensively determined at trace levels of clinical importance, from a variety of biological media, using HPLC-UV approaches. Limits of detection for BCNU from patient and control samples have been compared for HPLC-UV, HPLC-EC, and the Griess Test. The distribution and disappearance of BCNU from blood samples can be quickly and easily determined using the methods described. Individual blood samples are completely analyzed in less than 30 mins, from the time of sampling to qualitative and quantitative results.