Qualitative analysis benzodiazepines

In some cases, the forensic scientist will be required to quantify barbiturates and benzodiazepines in drug samples. Due to the problems associated with sample derivatization, quantification of barbiturates can best be achieved by using HPLC. Benzodiazepines are thermally labile compounds and thus HPLC is again the method of choice for qualitative analysis. 

Benzodiazepines may conveniently be extracted into methanol for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The dose form should be triturated in methanol and as with barbiturates any solid material removed by centrifugation or filtration prior to analysis of the drug in solution. 

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