An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure for the quantification of levetiracetam in human serum and plasma

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To develop an isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for levetiracetam quantification in human serum and plasma. Methods Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qNMR) was used to characterize the RMP material to ensure traceability to SI units. To quantify levetiracetam, an LC-MS/MS method was optimized using a C8 column for chromatographic separation following protein-precipitation-based sample preparation. Spiked matrix samples of serum and plasma were used to test selectivity and specificity. Matrix effects were determined by performing a post-column infusion experiment and comparing standard line slopes. Precision and accuracy were evaluated over 5 days. Measurement uncertainty was evaluated according to the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). Results The RMP was proven to be highly selective and specific with no evidence of a matrix effect, allowing for quantification of levetiracetam within the range of 1.53–90.0 μg/mL. Intermediate precision was <2.2% and repeatability was 1.1–1.7% across all concentrations. The relative mean bias ranged from −2.5% to −0.3% across all levels and matrices within the measuring range. Diluted samples were found with a mean bias ranging from −0.1 to 2.9%. The predefined acceptance criterion for measurement uncertainty was met and determined for individual measurements independently of the concentration level and sample type to be ≤4.0% (k=2). Conclusions We present a novel LC-MS/MS)-based candidate RMP for levetiracetam in human serum and plasma. Its expanded measurement uncertainty of ≤4.0% meets the clinical needs in levetiracetam monitoring. Utilizing qNMR to characterize levetiracetam reference materials allowed metrological traceability to SI units.