GLC analysis of lidocaine in plasma using a novel nitrogen-sensitive detector.

A simple, rapid GLC method for the determination of therapeutic levels of lidocaine in plasma or blood is described. After extraction with benzene from alkalinized plasma, the compound is analyzed by GLC using a nitrogen-sensitive detector. Quantitation is accomplished using an internal standard and a standard curve, which was linear over the 0.1-10-mug range. The limit of detection was approximately 10 ng/ml. Recovery of the parent compound was essentially quantitative. Plasma data are presented to demonstrate the utility of the method.