Simultaneous detection of three antineoplastic drugs on gloves by liquid chromatography with diode array detector

The aim of this study was to develop a method for simultaneous detection of antineoplastic drugs on gloves since, in occupational exposure, the main contamination route is through dermal contact, which may occur via prolonged contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. The assay was performed by liquid chromatography using the following conditions for the detection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), methotrexate (MTX) and paclitaxel (TAX): diode array detection and UV quantification at 195 nm for TAX, at 265 nm for 5-FU and at 302 nm for MTX; ODS column (250 x 4 mm, 5 mu m) with a similar guard column; mobile phase consisted of water (pH 4)-methanol-acetonitrile (35: 15: 50, v/v/v) with a flow rate of 1 mL min(-1). The method presented a linear range from 0.25 to 20 mu g mL(-1) with r(2) higher than 0.99. Repeatability was <= 15% and satisfactory extraction efficiency was obtained when liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate was used for 5-FU and TAX. Satisfactory solid phase extraction was also achieved with C18 cartridges and elution with methanol for MTX. The diode array detector allowed drug quantification at a concentration >= 0.25 mu g mL(-1) in samples, although detection was possible in samples that presented values of around 0.1 mu g mL(-1). The results obtained suggest that the method developed can be applied for the simultaneous determination of the drugs studied and can be considered useful in exposure assessment for health care workers.