Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Methaqualone in Serum by Gas Chromatography

A rapid, simple, accurate, and precise isothermal gas-chromatographic method is introduced for determination of methaqualone (2-methyl-3- o -tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone) in serum. A single extraction of 2 ml of serum, without derivative formation, will give adequate sensitivity for quantitation of therapeutic serum concentrations of the drug within 15 min. The method is free of interferences from biological substances, as well as from commonly used drugs. A non-drug internal standard compensates for variables in extraction, injection, and instrumental changes during analysis. The coefficient of variation, day-to-day, is 5.6%. Mean recovery of added methaqualone was 80%. To compensate for the nonquantitative yield and ensure accurate results, we prepared all analytical methaqualone standards in serum.