Determination of triazolam in serum by deactivated metal capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

A method for the determination of trace amounts of triazolam in serum by deactivated metal capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection was established. The column used exhibits excellent thermostability in high-temperature analysis and easy handling and a long lifetime of the column and well shaped peaks on the chromatograms are obtained. With the metal capillary column, it was found to be easier to maintain suitable analytical conditions for the routine assay of triazolam than with a fused-silica column. With this method, 0.5 ng/ml of triazolam in serum can be determined. The method is useful for pharmacokinetic and therapeutic purposes.