High-performance liquid chromatography as a diagnostic tool in prolonged neuro-muscular blockade

We report the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the cause of prolonged neuromuscular blockade in a child who had received 2 mg.kg-1 of succinylcholine. Upon analysis by HPLC the syringe was found to contain succinylcholine (10 mg.ml-1) and also atracurium (5 mg.ml-1), so that a diagnosis was established. In situations where medication errors are suspected, we recommend saving syringe contents for analysis for confirmation of the agent.