Semi-automated fluorimetric method for the estimation of urinary catecholamines using high-performance liquid chromatography.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitation of adrenaline and noradranaline in urine is described, using fluorescence detection. The effluent from the liquid chromatograph is led directly into an analyser to produce the fluorescent trihydroxy-indoles from the catecholamines. The method is more reliable and specific than conventional fluorescence techniques. Both catecholamines can be detected at levels of 0.5 ng on the column.