Impact of Plasma and Whole-blood Anticoagulant Counter Ion Choice on Drug Stability and Matrix Effects During Bioanalysis

Background: Anticoagulants are used to prevent coagulation in blood samples. The plasma pH may change with a different counter ion and anticoagulant; thus, it is essential to determine effects on drug stability and the matrix effect during the bioanalytical method development.

Results: Cross-validation of multiple compounds between different counter ions was performed and no impact from the counter ion nature was demonstrated. Moreover, plasma stabilities and matrix effects for both fluconazole and granisetron were investigated thoroughly in numerous counter ions/anticoagulants (K(3)ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [K(3)EDTA], K(2)EDTA, NaEDTA, NaHeparin and LiHeparin). Sirolimus, a large cyclic molecule, was also tested in different whole-blood EDTA counter ions. Results showed percentage deviation less than 8.5% and percentage cross-validation less than 8.4%.

Conclusion: None of the compounds tested had an impact on the matrix stabilities and matrix effect.