Quantification of polar drugs in human plasma with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has played an important role in quantitative bioanalytical assays. This review summarizes the recent progress on quantification of polar drugs in plasma with LC-MS/MS. Various types of polar analytes were extracted using protein precipitation or solid-phase extraction and precolumn derivatization was utilized in some cases. The analytes were then separated using different types of chromatographic method, which included reversed-phase chromatography, aqueous normal-phase chromatography, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and ion-pairing chromatography. Stationary phases of mixed mode and porous graphitic carbon materials are gaining acceptance in bioanalytical applications. These technologies can be valuable supplements in the quantification of polar drugs in human plasma with LC-MS/MS. Matrix effects have also been discussed in this review.