Quantitative analysis of propofol in whole blood using capillary electrophoresis

We have developed a straightforward capillary electrophoresis method capable of quantifying clinically relevant propofol concentrations in whole blood from patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. The method utilizes 400 μL of whole blood and is capable of detecting propofol in the ng/mL range. Factors affecting reproducibility and reliability of analytical results for clinically relevant samples are discussed. The method was used to evaluate propofol concentrations in blood samples from 30 patients. The distribution in the whole blood concentration achieved in patients advocates the need for target-achieved monitoring techniques.